Pune: In a horrifying incident, a 26-year-old woman was raped inside a stationary state transport bus at the Swargate bus stand in Pune, police reported on Wednesday. The accused, identified as Dattatraya Ramdas Gade (36), has a criminal history involving theft and chain snatching and is currently on the run.

The brutal crime, which took place early Tuesday morning, has sparked strong political reactions, with opposition leaders criticizing the Maharashtra government for its failure to control crime in Pune.

What Happened?

According to the police, the woman was waiting for a bus to Phaltan (Satara district) at 5:45 AM at one of the platforms at Swargate when she was approached by a stranger who called her “Didi” (sister). He told her that the bus for Satara had arrived at another platform and offered to take her there.

The man then led her to an empty Shiv Shahi AC bus parked away from the main area. As the lights inside were off, the woman hesitated, but the accused assured her that it was the correct bus and suggested she use a torch to check inside.

The moment she entered the bus, he followed her inside and raped her, before fleeing the scene, the woman told the police.

How Police Identified the Accused

CCTV footage from Swargate bus stand helped police identify Dattatraya Ramdas Gade as the suspect.
The footage showed the woman walking towards the bus with the accused.
Multiple police teams have been deployed to track him down.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Smartana Patil stated that though the bus stand was crowded, the crime went unnoticed.

Why the Woman Did Not Report Immediately

Instead of approaching the police immediately, the shaken victim boarded another bus for Phaltan. While traveling, she spoke to a friend on the phone and narrated the ordeal. Following her friend's advice, she got off within city limits and reported the crime at a police station.

The police confirmed that the woman is stable and has given a clear statement. A case of rape has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Massive Manhunt Launched

The police have launched an extensive manhunt for Gade, with:

Eight teams formed to track him down.
Sniffer dog squad deployed.
Searches being conducted in Shikrapur and Shirur, where Gade has past criminal records.

Political Backlash Over Law and Order in Maharashtra

The shocking crime has led to a political uproar, with opposition leaders slamming the BJP-led Maharashtra government over the rising crime rate.

NCP (SP) Leader Supriya Sule

Criticized the Home Department (headed by CM Devendra Fadnavis) for failing to curb crime in Pune.
Pointed out that Swargate has a police post and routine patrolling, yet such a heinous crime still occurred.
Demanded a fast-track trial and strict punishment for the accused.

Maharashtra Congress Chief Harshwardhan Sapkal

Expressed concern over rising rape cases in Maharashtra.
Called MSRTC buses the ‘lifeline of Maharashtra’, stating that safety inside them is now compromised.
Compared the situation to the 2012 Nirbhaya case, saying, "People changed the government after Nirbhaya, but the current regime is failing women despite schemes like Laadki Bahin."

The Growing Concern Over Women’s Safety

This shocking crime in a public place once again highlights the urgent need for better security measures for women. Despite CCTV cameras and police presence, a crime of this magnitude still occurred, raising serious concerns about women’s safety in public spaces.

As the search for the accused intensifies, the focus is now on ensuring justice for the victim and preventing such incidents from happening in the future.