History-Sheeter Allegedly Rapes Woman Inside State Transport Bus at Pune's Swargate Station

A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a stationary state transport bus at the Swargate bus station in Pune. The accused, Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, who has a criminal history and was out on bail since 2019, is being pursued by multiple police teams. The incident has sparked outrage, leading to protests by the opposition Shiv Sena UBT and demands for action against the Home Department.

Security Measures and Investigations

In response to the crime, Maharashtra's government ordered the replacement of all private security guards at the bus station. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated by the transport ministry. Gade, who has prior cases of theft and robbery, was out on bail for one of these offences since 2019. The Swargate bus depot is one of the largest in Maharashtra.

The victim recounted that while waiting for a bus to Phaltan around 5:45 am, she was approached by a man posing as a conductor. He led her to an empty Shiv Shahi AC bus, claiming it was her ride. Despite initial hesitation due to the lack of lighting inside, she entered the bus where she was assaulted. The accused threatened her to keep silent before fleeing.

Official Reactions and Public Outcry

Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil revealed that CCTV footage captured the victim walking with the accused towards the bus. Although many people were present at the station during the incident, it went unnoticed until hours later. The woman reported the crime after consulting a friend while travelling back home.

Gade's criminal activities extend beyond Pune, with cases registered in Shikrapur and Shirur police stations. Released on bail in 2019 for robbery, he faced another theft charge in 2024. Police have formed eight teams to apprehend him and are examining CCTV footage for leads.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar condemned the incident as "painful, infuriating, and shameful," advocating for the death penalty for Gade. He instructed Pune's police commissioner to expedite the investigation and arrest. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also demanded swift action and an FIR copy within three days.

Political Reactions and Protests

State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik ordered all 23 private security guards at Swargate station replaced. MSRTC's managing director Vivek Bhimanwar is tasked with conducting a departmental inquiry within seven days. Local Shiv Sena UBT workers protested at Swargate station, resulting in vandalism of the security office.

NCP SP leader Supriya Sule criticized the BJP-led government for failing to prevent such crimes despite a nearby police post. State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal claimed that rape incidents are increasing in Maharashtra, highlighting concerns over public safety.

The incident underscores significant lapses in security and law enforcement at public transport hubs. It has prompted calls for stricter measures to ensure passenger safety and accountability from authorities responsible for maintaining order at such locations.