TL;DR: In a shocking incident in Pune, a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a stationary state transport bus at Swargate depot. The accused, Dattatray Ramdas Gade, attempted suicide thrice while evading arrest, but each attempt failed as the rope broke. He was eventually apprehended in his native village with the help of local villagers.
The Incident That Shook Pune
Early Tuesday morning, a 26-year-old hospital counsellor was waiting at Pune's Swargate bus depot to catch a bus to her hometown, Phaltan in Satara district. While she awaited her ride, 37-year-old Dattatray Ramdas Gade approached her, posing as a bus conductor. Addressing her as 'tai' (sister), he misled her by saying her bus would arrive at a different platform and lured her onto an empty state transport (ST) bus, where he committed the heinous crime.
The Accused's Desperate Attempts to Escape
After the assault, Gade fled Pune and sought refuge in his native village, Gunat, located in Shirur taluka, about 70 km from the city. While hiding in sugarcane fields, he attempted suicide three times by hanging himself, but each time, the rope snapped. Villagers intervened during his attempts, preventing his death.
The Manhunt and Arrest
Pune police launched an extensive three-day search operation involving approximately 500 personnel, including officers from the Crime Branch (Zone 2), Swargate police station, riot control platoons, and newly recruited officers. Additionally, 400–500 local villagers participated in the effort. The search operation utilized drones, searchlights, public announcements, and dog squads. Gade was finally apprehended around 1:10 am on Friday in Gunat village.
Community Effort and Reward
The villagers of Gunat played a pivotal role in Gade's capture. Recognizing their efforts, Pune police have decided to award ₹1 lakh to those who provided crucial information leading to his arrest. Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated, "Those who shared the latest information about the accused will be given the reward. We will soon visit the village and felicitate those who helped nab the accused."
Legal Proceedings and Defense Claims
Gade was produced before the court of judicial magistrate first class T S Gaigole, where police sought a 14-day custodial remand. His defense lawyers, Wajid Khan Bidkar and Ajinkya Mahadik, opposed the plea, arguing that the case involved a consensual relationship, not rape. The court granted Gade’s custodial remand till March 12.
MediaFx Opinion
This incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures for women, especially in public spaces like bus depots. It's alarming that such a crime could occur just 100 meters from a security office. The working class, particularly women, often bear the brunt of systemic failures. Ensuring their safety is paramount and requires collective action. The solidarity shown by the villagers in apprehending the accused is commendable and exemplifies community responsibility. However, it's essential to address the root causes of such crimes, including socio-economic disparities and lack of education, to build a truly equitable society.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on the safety measures at public transport hubs? How can communities come together to ensure such incidents don't recur? Share your views in the comments below!
