Pune, March 1: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday issued a firm warning against those involved in vandalizing public property, following widespread anger over the recent alleged rape of a woman inside a parked Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at Pune’s Swargate bus stand.
Deputy CM Pawar Condemns Vandalism, Promises Strict Action
The incident, which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, involved a 26-year-old woman who was allegedly raped inside an MSRTC bus parked at Swargate bus depot in central Pune. Following the incident, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More and his party workers expressed their anger by vandalizing the security cabin at the depot.Addressing reporters in Pune, Pawar strongly criticized the destruction of public property. “Let the probe conclude and let facts come forward. After that, stringent action will be taken against those who vandalized public property. They will not be spared,” Pawar said.
Highlighting the irrationality of damaging public assets, Pawar questioned, "Does anyone break the window panes of their own house if an accused is not immediately arrested?” He further recalled court guidelines, which clearly state that the costs of public property damage should be recovered directly from those responsible, including party workers or political parties involved.
While acknowledging public outrage as justified, Pawar emphasized the need for peaceful expressions of dissent. "We will not tolerate such actions driven by impulsive emotions," he added firmly.
Shiv Sena Leader Vasant More Reacts Sharply
Responding to Pawar’s statements, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More urged the Deputy CM to equally consider the dignity and trauma experienced by the rape survivor. “If Pawar is concerned about window panes, he must equally address the self-respect and suffering of the victim,” More retorted.More also criticized the government's response to public anger, highlighting that Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had already suspended 23 MSRTC employees following the incident. “If you want to register cases against party workers for expressing their justified anger, please do. I am not afraid of cases being filed against me,” More challenged.
Additionally, More appealed to Pawar to address escalating criminal activities in the city, specifically citing vehicle damages by anti-social elements, increasing dominance of gangs wielding ‘koytas’ (sharp-edged weapons), and murders occurring in broad daylight.
Accused Arrested After Extensive Manhunt
Police have successfully arrested the accused, identified as 37-year-old Dattatray Ramdas Gade, who had fled following the crime. Gade was apprehended around midnight on Thursday from agricultural fields near his native village, Gunat, in Pune district’s Shirur tehsil.The arrest followed an intensive search operation involving drones, sniffer dogs, 13 dedicated police teams, and extensive human intelligence inputs. Gade was tracked down hiding amidst crops, reflecting the scale and complexity of the manhunt.
On Friday, a local court remanded Gade in police custody until March 12.
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