Pune Bus Rape Case: Who is Dattatraya Ramdas Gade and Why Was He Out on Bail?
In a deeply distressing incident that has sent shockwaves through Pune, a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a stationary state transport bus at the bustling Swargate bus station. The accused, identified as 36-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, is a known history-sheeter who was out on bail since 2019. This appalling crime has ignited widespread outrage and raised pressing questions about public safety and the efficacy of the criminal justice system.
The Incident at Swargate Bus Station
On the morning of February 25, 2025, the victim was waiting for a bus to Phaltan in the Satara district at Swargate bus station. Around 5:45 AM, Gade approached her, addressing her as ‘didi‘ (sister), and deceitfully informed her that her bus was arriving at a different platform. He then led her to an unlit, empty ‘Shiv Shahi’ air-conditioned bus parked within the station premises. Despite her initial hesitation due to the darkness inside the bus, Gade convinced her to board, followed her in, and subsequently assaulted her before fleeing the scene. The victim, employed in the private medical sector, later recounted that Gade threatened her to prevent her from reporting the crime.
Profile of the Accused: Dattatraya Ramdas Gade
Dattatraya Ramdas Gade is a 36-year-old with a substantial criminal background. He has been implicated in at least six cases involving theft, robbery, and chain-snatching across Pune and the neighboring Ahilyanagar district. Remarkably, Gade had been out on bail since 2019 related to one of these offenses. In 2024, another theft case was registered against him in Pune, for which he was summoned by the police. Authorities are currently scrutinizing CCTV footage from the Swargate bus station and surrounding areas to trace his whereabouts.
Political and Public Reactions
The heinous nature of this crime has elicited strong reactions from political leaders and the public alike. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, expressed profound anguish, describing the incident as “extremely unfortunate, painful, infuriating, and shameful to all in civilized society.” He emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating that the perpetrator deserves the death penalty. Pawar has directed the Pune police commissioner to personally oversee the investigation and ensure the swift apprehension of the accused.
In response to the incident, members of the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) staged protests at the Swargate bus station, during which the security office on the premises was vandalized. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Baramati Lok Sabha MP, Supriya Sule, criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, highlighting the failure of the Home Department to curb rising crime rates in Pune.
Immediate Actions and Measures
In the wake of the incident, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has taken decisive steps to enhance security at the Swargate bus station. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered the replacement of all 23 private security guards employed at the bus station. Additionally, a departmental inquiry has been initiated, with a report expected within seven days.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, demanding immediate action. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Director General of Police, requesting a detailed action-taken report within three days, including a copy of the First Information Report (FIR).
Broader Implications and Concerns
This tragic event underscores significant lapses in public safety and raises critical questions about the criminal justice system’s handling of repeat offenders. The fact that Gade, with a history of serious offenses, was out on bail and able to commit such a grievous crime highlights potential deficiencies in monitoring and rehabilitating habitual criminals.
Moreover, the incident has sparked a broader discourse on the safety of women in public spaces, especially in areas presumed to be secure, such as major transportation hubs. It calls for an urgent reassessment of security protocols, the implementation of more stringent background checks for personnel, and the installation of adequate surveillance systems to deter and respond to such crimes effectively.
