A shocking crime has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra as Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, a history-sheeter out on bail, allegedly raped a 26-year-old woman inside a stationary Shiv Shahi AC bus at Pune’s Swargate Bus Stand on Tuesday morning. The brutal assault, which took place at one of the busiest transport hubs in the city, has sparked protests and political outrage.
Who is Dattatraya Ramdas Gade?
Gade, 36, is a repeat offender with multiple criminal cases, including theft, robbery, and chain-snatching, registered in Pune and adjoining Ahilyanagar district. Despite being out on bail since 2019, he continued his criminal activities, with a theft case filed against him in 2024. Pune police are now tracking him down using CCTV footage and technical surveillance.
How the Crime Unfolded
According to police reports, the victim, a healthcare worker, was waiting for a bus to Phaltan at around 5:45 AM when Gade approached her, calling her “Didi” (sister) and misleading her by saying her bus had arrived at another platform.
- He led her to an empty AC bus parked in the depot.
- The woman hesitated as the bus was unlit, but Gade convinced her to step inside.
- Once inside, he brutally assaulted and raped her before fleeing the scene.
- He threatened her to remain silent about the crime.
The woman, in shock, initially boarded another bus to her hometown, but later, after confiding in a friend over the phone, returned to Pune and filed a police complaint.
Massive Manhunt Launched
Deputy Commissioner of Police Smarthana Patil confirmed that police have formed eight teams to track down Gade. CCTV footage shows him leading the woman towards the bus, and police are questioning his family members for clues.
Political Outrage and Public Protests
The incident has led to a political storm, with opposition parties slamming the state government over women’s safety concerns.
- Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM & Pune’s Guardian Minister, called the crime “painful, infuriating, and shameful”, demanding the death penalty for the accused.
- Supriya Sule (NCP-SP MP) blamed the BJP-led Mahayuti government for failing to ensure security.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More staged a protest at Swargate Bus Stand, where angry locals vandalized the security office.
- AIMIM leader Waris Pathan questioned the government’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, saying women’s safety in Maharashtra is in shambles.
NCW and Government Take Action
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has sought an action taken report within three days from the Maharashtra DGP.
Meanwhile, State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered:
- Removal of all 23 private security guards at Swargate Bus Station
- A departmental inquiry into security lapses
- A detailed report within seven days