Mumbai, February 27 – In response to the shocking rape of a woman inside a parked state transport bus in Pune, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered a comprehensive security audit of all bus stations and depots operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
The minister also announced that all old and unused vehicles parked in MSRTC depots across the state would be disposed of by April 15.
Incident Details and Investigation
A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside an MSRTC bus at Pune’s Swargate Bus Station on Tuesday. The accused, Dattatray Ramdas Gade, a 37-year-old history-sheeter, is yet to be arrested. Police records reveal that Gade has multiple cases of theft, robbery, and chain-snatching registered against him in Pune and Ahilyanagar district. He had been out on bail since 2019.Following the incident, CCTV footage from the depot helped identify the accused, and authorities have launched a manhunt.
Security Measures Announced
After reviewing security arrangements at MSRTC facilities, Minister Sarnaik laid out a series of measures aimed at enhancing passenger safety:- Security Audit: All 580 bus stands and 251 bus stations will undergo an inspection to identify and rectify security lapses.
- IPS Officer Appointment: Sarnaik has urged the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to appoint an IPS officer to oversee security and vigilance within MSRTC.
- CCTV, GPS & Panic Buttons: Around 15,000 MSRTC buses, including private contractors’ buses, will be equipped with mandatory CCTV cameras, GPS tracking systems, and panic buttons.
- Increased Security Personnel: The current 2,700 security guards deployed through various security boards will be reviewed for a possible 15-20% increase, particularly in the number of female security guards.
- Replacement of Security Staff: Security personnel at the Swargate Bus Station have been replaced, and authorities are investigating whether the bus driver, controller, or depot manager bears any responsibility for the incident.
Government Assurance & Future Plans
Minister Sarnaik assured female passengers that MSRTC buses remain safe, emphasizing that the state government stands firmly behind them. Additionally, he stated that his department is exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to enhance security across transport networks further.On being questioned about the accused appearing in a banner of a former MLA of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), Sarnaik confirmed that police would investigate the matter.
Authorities continue to track down the accused and ensure stringent action.
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