In a disturbing incident that has shocked Pune, a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a parked state transport bus at the Swargate depot. The accused, Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, 37, has been remanded to police custody until March 12.
Incident Details
On February 25, around 5:30 AM, Gade allegedly lured the victim, addressing her as ‘didi’ (sister), into an empty ‘Shivshahi’ bus at the Swargate depot, where he assaulted her. The police informed the court that the accused raped the victim twice inside the government-run bus.
Accused’s Criminal Background
Gade has a history of criminal activities, with half a dozen cases registered against him in Pune and Ahilyanagar districts. Notably, women are the complainants in five of these cases. CCTV footage from the bus terminus on the day of the incident clearly captured Gade’s presence, strengthening the case against him.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Following an extensive search operation involving 13 police teams, drones, and sniffer dogs, authorities apprehended Gade in a paddy field in Shirur tehsil of Pune district around midnight on February 27. He was formally arrested and produced before the Pune Sessions Court amid heavy police security. The police sought Gade’s custody for 14 days, highlighting the gravity of the offense and his criminal past.
Suicide Attempt
During the search operation, Gade attempted suicide by hanging himself from a dry tree in a field. However, the rope broke, and his attempt was unsuccessful. A primary medical report indicated a ligature mark on his neck, suggesting the suicide attempt. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated that they are awaiting the final medical report.
Defense’s Argument
Advocate Wajid Khan, representing Gade, argued in court that his client was facing a media trial. He claimed that the complainant entered the bus willingly and that any physical relationship was consensual.
Public Reaction and Safety Measures
The incident has raised significant concerns about women’s safety in Pune. Female commuters have urged the police to resume operations of a dedicated patrolling team at the Swargate bus stand. This initiative, launched in July 2023, focused on monitoring auto-rickshaw and cab drivers at the bus stand, enhancing security for women traveling alone at night.
NCW’s Response
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, seeking urgent action. They have constituted a fact-finding committee to investigate the case, emphasizing the need for immediate measures to ensure women’s safety in public spaces.
Conclusion
The Pune bus rape case underscores the pressing need for enhanced safety measures for women in public spaces. As the legal proceedings against Gade continue, it is imperative for authorities to reassess and strengthen security protocols to prevent such heinous crimes in the future.
