Rape inside MSRTC bus: police announce Rs 1 lakh reward for information about absconding accused

Mumbai, February 27: The Pune Police have announced a reward of ₹1 lakh for any information leading to the arrest of history-sheeter Dattatray Ramdas Gade (37), who is wanted for allegedly raping a 26-year-old woman inside a state transport bus at Swargate bus station. The incident, which took place early Tuesday morning, has triggered widespread outrage.

According to Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, a 13-member police team has been deployed to trace and apprehend Gade, who has been absconding since the crime. Authorities have urged the public to provide any leads on his whereabouts by contacting 020-24442769 or 9881670659, assuring that the informant’s identity will be kept confidential.

History of the Accused​

Gade has a criminal record spanning multiple cases of theft, robbery, and chain-snatching in Pune and Ahilyanagar district. He was out on bail since 2019 in connection with one of these offenses.

Incident Details​

The survivor, a medical professional, recounted that she was waiting for a bus to Phaltan in Satara district at around 5:45 AM when the accused approached her. Pretending to assist her, he addressed her as ‘didi’ (sister) and misled her, claiming that her bus was parked at another platform.

Gade then took her to an unoccupied Shiv Shahi AC bus, where he convinced her to step inside despite the lack of interior lighting. Once inside, he followed her and assaulted her before fleeing.

Political Fallout​

The horrifying incident at one of Pune’s busiest transport hubs, Swargate Bus Depot, has sparked sharp criticism from the Opposition, with parties holding the BJP-led Maharashtra government accountable for lapses in women's safety.

Authorities continue their intensive manhunt for Gade as public pressure mounts for swift justice.