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A 26-year-old woman was raped inside a state transport (MSRTC) bus at Pune's Swargate bus stand early on Tuesday morning. The shocking incident has sparked public outrage and sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who have blamed the Maharashtra government for failing to curb rising crime in Pune.
How the Crime Took Place
Location: Swargate Bus Stand, Pune – One of Maharashtra’s largest transport hubs, just 100 meters from a police station.
Time: Around 5:45 AM, Tuesday.
The woman was waiting for a bus to Phaltan in Satara district when the accused, Dattatraya Ramdas Gade (36), approached her.
Gade misled her, claiming that her bus was at another platform.
He took her to an empty ‘Shiv Shahi’ AC bus parked elsewhere.
Though she hesitated to board, the accused convinced her to check using a torch.
Once inside, he raped her and fled the scene.
CCTV footage confirms that the accused led the woman to the bus.
Delayed Police Report & Investigation
The victim did not immediately report the crime.
While traveling to Phaltan, she called a friend and narrated the incident.
On her friend’s advice, she got off within city limits and went to the police station.
DCP Smartana Patil confirmed that the woman’s condition is stable and she has given a clear statement.
A case of rape has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Multiple police teams have been formed to track down the accused, who has a criminal history involving theft and chain snatching.
Opposition Blames Maharashtra Govt, Demands Action
The incident has triggered political outrage, with opposition leaders attacking the BJP-led state government.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Protests at Swargate
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena workers staged a protest at Swargate Bus Stand, smashing windowpanes of the bus stop in anger.
Supriya Sule (NCP-SP) Demands Fast-Track Trial
Baramati MP Supriya Sule slammed the Home Department (led by CM Devendra Fadnavis) for failing to curb crime in Pune.
"There is a police post nearby, and the area is routinely patrolled. Yet, such an assault happens at Swargate, proving that criminals have no fear of the law. This case must be tried in a fast-track court, and the accused must receive severe punishment," said Sule.
Congress Questions Govt’s Commitment to Women’s Safety
Maharashtra Congress Chief Harshwardhan Sapkal pointed out the rising rape cases in the state.
"MSRTC buses are Maharashtra's lifeline. Now, a rape has taken place inside an MSRTC bus. When the Nirbhaya gangrape happened in Delhi, people changed the government. You (BJP-led govt) promote the Laadki Bahin scheme for women, but ignore basic safety issues," he said.
What’s Next?
The police are intensifying efforts to arrest the accused.
Political pressure is mounting for stricter safety measures at transport hubs.
Demands for fast-track justice and improved security at MSRTC bus stands are growing.
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