Police’s ‘Suicide’ Theory in Pune Bus Rape Case After Accused Found with Neck Mark

Dattatray Ramdas Gade, the 37-year-old accused in the Pune bus rape case, was arrested on Friday morning after an extensive manhunt. His capture came after he approached a house requesting food and water, which led the police to his location.

During the medical examination, authorities discovered ligature marks on Gade's neck, raising suspicions of a suicide attempt.

"According to the preliminary medical report, a ligature mark was found on the accused. It is suspected that he attempted suicide. We are awaiting the final report," Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar told PTI.

According to reports, Gade had been hiding in a paddy field in a village in Shirur tehsil. Police deployed drones and sniffer dogs to track him down. While he had switched off his mobile phone to evade detection, officers traced him to his native village after learning he had visited a house asking for water.

A known offender with a criminal background, Gade fled to Shirur after allegedly raping a 26-year-old woman inside a bus at Pune's Swargate bus station. The Pune police, assisted by drones and a canine squad, launched an extensive search operation in Gunat village to apprehend him.

How Was Gade Arrested?

Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma visited the village to oversee the search operation.

"The drone and dog squad search in the sugarcane fields was halted at night. However, we received a tip that Gade had approached a house for food. When officers arrived, he had already fled, but the family confirmed they had given him a bottle of water," an official said.

Based on this lead, the police located Gade hiding in a nearby paddy field and arrested him.

Authorities are now reviewing safety measures, including bus security, door mechanisms, and poorly lit areas. A formal action plan will soon be discussed with the state transport department for implementation.