Pune Police Announces ₹1 Lakh Reward for Arrest of Rape Accused; Political Storm Erupts Over Women’s Safety

Pune, February 27: In a bid to expedite the arrest of a history-sheeter accused of raping a 26-year-old woman at Swargate bus station, Pune police have announced a reward of ₹1 lakh for information leading to his capture. The accused, identified as Dattatray Ramdas Gade (37), has been on the run since the heinous crime took place inside a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus early Tuesday morning.

Massive Manhunt Underway​

According to Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, 13 police teams have been deployed to track down Gade, who has a criminal record involving theft, robbery, and chain-snatching cases in Pune and Ahilyanagar districts. He was out on bail since 2019.

Authorities have urged citizens to share any information regarding Gade’s whereabouts by contacting 020-24442769 or 9881670659, assuring that the identity of informants will remain confidential.

Survivor Recounts the Horrific Incident​

The survivor, who works in the medical field, was waiting for a bus to Phaltan in Satara district around 5:45 AM on Tuesday when the accused approached her. Posing as a helpful commuter, he misled her into boarding an empty ‘Shiv Shahi’ AC bus stationed within the premises. Once inside, he overpowered and assaulted her before fleeing the scene.

Political Repercussions and Outrage​

The brutal incident has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties slamming the BJP-led Maharashtra government over the deteriorating law and order situation.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut drew comparisons to the 2012 Delhi Nirbhaya gang rape case, questioning Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s role as Pune’s district guardian minister. Raut also targeted the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme, which provides ₹1,500 monthly financial aid to women, stating, “Have you purchased women’s self-respect?”

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule also raised concerns about police inaction, citing a February 22 letter from the Swargate depot manager to the police, warning about anti-social elements harassing commuters. The lack of response, she said, was deplorable.

Government Vows Action​

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde condemned the incident, assuring that the accused would be caught and face the strictest, possibly capital punishment. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced an overhaul of MSRTC’s security, including:

• Disposal of scrapped buses by April 15, 2025.
• Installation of GPS, panic buttons, and CCTV cameras in 15,000 buses.
• Hiring 15-20 more female security guards.
• Appointment of an IPS officer for MSRTC’s security and vigilance.

Meanwhile, the security guards at Swargate have been sacked following the incident.

As the police intensify efforts to nab the accused, the incident has reignited concerns over women’s safety in Maharashtra, with political parties demanding accountability and stronger measures to prevent such crimes in the future.