Pune: Reward of ₹1 Lakh for Information on Accused in MSRTC Bus Rape Case

Pune Police have released a picture of 36-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas Gade and announced a ₹1 lakh reward for information on him. Gade is accused of raping a woman inside an MSRTC bus at Swargate bus stand on Tuesday morning. Currently absconding, Gade has a criminal record with several theft, robbery, and chain-snatching cases against him.

According to the police, the incident took place around 5:45 a.m. when the victim, who was waiting for a bus to Phaltan in Satara district, was approached by Gade. The accused allegedly misled the woman about the location of her bus, calling her ‘didi’ (sister) and luring her to an empty bus parked within the Swargate bus stand premises, where he reportedly raped her.

Despite the area being busy with people and buses, the crime went unnoticed at the time. The woman initially did not report the incident and boarded a bus to Phaltan. She later informed a friend over the phone, and on the advice of her friend, she got off the bus within city limits and approached the police.

The police confirmed that CCTV footage from the bus stand helped identify Gade. The video shows the woman walking with the accused toward the empty bus. Pune police have formed 13 special teams, including eight from the Crime Branch, to track him down. The police have questioned Gade’s family members and known associates, and are currently searching his native village in Shirur Taluka.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil stated that a case of rape has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The victim is in stable condition and has provided a detailed statement.

The incident has sparked a political backlash, with opposition leaders criticising the BJP-led Maharashtra government over the state of law and order in Pune. NCP (SP) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule expressed her concern, saying, “There is a police post nearby, and the area is routinely patrolled. Yet, such a horrific crime occurs at Swargate. This shows that criminals have no fear of the law. The case should be fast-tracked, and the accused must receive strict punishment.”

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal also condemned the incident, stating, “MSRTC buses are Maharashtra’s lifeline, and now a rape has occurred inside one. The government promotes schemes like Laadki Bahin for women but ignores their basic safety.”

In response to the incident, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the police to ensure the accused is arrested promptly and faces the strictest punishment under the law. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also condemned the crime, calling for the accused to be caught and sentenced to death. Speaking to the media, Pawar said, “I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police, and it has been found that the suspect, who was seen moving suspiciously, hails from Shirur Taluka. One person has been taken into custody, but the main accused is still on the run. Police teams are searching Shirur and his native village.” He reiterated his demand for strict action, stating, “The accused must be caught at any cost and given the death penalty. Instructions have been given to provide all necessary support to the survivor. As the district’s guardian minister, this incident deeply disturbs me.”

In the aftermath of the attack, the MSRTC has replaced security guards at the Swargate depot and announced an internal inquiry into the matter. A report is expected within a week.