The alleged rape of a 26-year-old woman in a parked bus at Pune‘s Swargate bus depot has sparked widespread media attention and raised serious concerns about women’s safety
The alleged rape of a 26-year-old woman in a parked bus at Pune‘s Swargate bus depot has sparked widespread media attention and raised serious concerns about women’s safety at transportation hubs. The accused, Dattatray Ramdas Gade, is in police custody until March 12, 2025. His arrest followed an extensive manhunt, highlighting the severity of the charges against him.
In the early hours of February 25, 2025, a 26-year-old woman was at Pune’s Swargate bus depot, waiting to travel to Phaltan, her hometown in Satara district. Gade approached her, addressed her as ‘Didi’ (sister), and deceived her into boarding a parked ‘Shiv Shahi’ bus within the depot. Once inside, he allegedly assaulted her and fled the scene.
Pune City Police launched a large-scale search operation involving over 100 officers, drones, and sniffer dogs. After 75 hours, authorities tracked Gade to a paddy field in Shirur tehsil, Pune district, and arrested him on the night of February 27, 2025.
Presented in Pune Sessions Court under heavy security, Gade faced a remand application. The police sought a 14-day custody to ensure a thorough investigation. They highlighted his criminal record, noting that five out of six cases against him involved female victims. Considering these factors, the court granted police custody until March 12, 2025.
Authorities are prioritizing several key aspects during Gade’s custody:
Gade’s defense team claims the act was consensual, citing CCTV footage showing the victim willingly entering the bus. However, the prosecution refutes this, emphasizing his criminal background and the circumstances of the case.
The incident has triggered public outrage, leading to protests at Swargate bus depot. In response, the state government has ordered a security audit of all Maharashtra bus depots to improve passenger safety. The role of private security guards at transport hubs is under review, with calls for their removal and improved safety measures.
Dattatray Ramdas Gade remains in police custody until March 12, 2025, as investigations continue. Authorities are committed to securing justice for the victim and addressing broader concerns about crime in public transport spaces.
