Dattatreya Ramdas Gade, a 36-year-old man with a long criminal history, is the accused in the Pune bus rape case. On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, he allegedly raped a 26-year-old woman inside a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus parked at the Swargate bus station, located about 100 metres from the police station. Gade, who is out on bail since 2019 in a previous robbery case, is currently absconding, and the Pune police have formed multiple teams to nab him.
https://newshedline643.blogspot.com/2025/02/blog-post_26.html
Summary of the incident
The rape took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, between 5:45 and 6:00 am. The victim, a domestic worker, was waiting for a bus to go to her hometown in Phaltan, Satara. Gade called her "didi" and convinced her to board an empty "Shiv Shahi" AC bus parked elsewhere on the station premises. He persuaded her to board the bus despite it being dark inside, locked the door and raped her before fleeing the scene.
Background of Dattatraya Ramdas Gade
Dattatraya Ramdas Gade is a resident of Shirur in Pune who has a history of criminal activities. He has several cases of theft, robbery and chain-snatching registered against him in Pune and neighbouring Ahilyanagar district. As per police records, Gade has at least six criminal cases registered against him including theft and robbery. He was out on bail since 2019 in a robbery case and was called to the police station in 2024 in a theft case.
Police response and search
Pune police have acted swiftly to nab Gade. They have formed eight special teams to search for him and deployed a sniffer dog squad. The police are also examining CCTV footage from Swargate bus station and nearby areas for clues. A reward of Rs 1 lakh has been announced for any information leading to Gade's arrest, and the identity of the informer will be kept confidential.
Political and public reaction
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests in Pune and across Maharashtra. Opposition leaders, including NCP (SP) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule, have criticised the BJP-led Maharashtra government for failing to control crime in the region. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has sought the death penalty for Gade and directed the Pune Police Commissioner to investigate the case thoroughly and arrest the accused immediately.
Additional details
Criminal history: Gade has a history of criminal activities, with cases registered in the limits of Shirur, Shikarpur and Ahilyanagar police stations. He has been out on bail since 2019 in a robbery case and was called to the police station in 2024 in a theft case.
Demand: The Pune police have formed 13 teams to search for Gade, with all possible hiding places being considered. The crime branch has taken over the investigation and teams have been dispatched in several directions.
Public outrage: The incident has sparked massive outrage, with opposition parties staging protests at the bus station. The security office on the premises was vandalised during the protests.
Security measures: The government has ordered that all private security guards at the bus station be replaced and the transport ministry has ordered a separate departmental inquiry.
The Pune bus rape case has highlighted serious security concerns and the need for strict law enforcement in the area. The police are working diligently to bring the accused to justice and the public and political leaders are demanding quick and strict action.