By Savikalpa Thapa
In the early hours of Tuesday, a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a parked Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at Pune’s Swargate bus station.
The accused has been identified as Dattatray Ramdas Gade. The incident occurred around 5:30 am when the accused allegedly lied to the victim that her bus was parked elsewhere and led her to a dark area where a bus was parked. Upon asking about why the bus was not lit he said that the other passengers were sleeping. After the women go into the bus, he got in, locked the door and raped her. The victim, a domestic worker travelling to her village in Satara district reported the incident to the Police after she boarded a different bus and told her friend.
Meanwhile, a manhunt with eight teams has been launched for Dattatray Ramdas, who has a prior criminal record. Authorities have also suspended 23 security guards who were at the Swargate bus stop due to lapses in safety measures. Despite being one of the busiest transport hubs in Maharashtra, Swargate bus station has been criticized for inadequate security, poor lighting, and a lack of police vigilance. Former MLA Ravindra Dhangekar pointed out that many intoxicated individuals loiter around the station at night, making it unsafe for passengers, especially women.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar said that the crime is extremely shameful and
painful and assured that the accused would face the harshest punishment. He also instructed the Pune Police Commissioner to personally monitor the investigation.
Shiv Sena leader Vasant More and the party members held a protest at the bus stand, demanding better safety measures. NCP MP Supriya Sule also slammed the authorities, calling it “infuriating” that such a crime could occur in a public place with police presence. She urged for the case to be tried in a fast-track court to ensure swift justice.