Pune Bus Rape Case: Maharashtra Transport Minister Calls High-Level Meeting to Address Bus Depot Security

Pune- Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has scheduled a high-level meeting on Thursday at Mantralaya to review and improve security at bus depots following the rape of a 26-year-old woman inside a bus at Pune's Swargate depot.

The meeting comes after 23 security guards from the Swargate depot were suspended and replaced following directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Meanwhile, the Pune Police have announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Dattatray Gade, the prime accused in the horrific case.

"Yesterday's incident is highly condemnable," Sarnaik told media. The minister identified several security issues that will be addressed in the meeting, including: Scrapped buses and vehicles seized by the regional transport office parked in depots, which local criminals exploit, inadequate locking systems on buses compared to private operators that use alarms and better security, the need to implement modern technology to strengthen security.

Sarnaik has ordered a departmental inquiry into the assistant transport superintendent and Swargate depot manager, stating they will face immediate suspension if any dereliction of duty is discovered. He has directed MSRTC acting vice chairman and managing director Vivek Bhimanwar to launch an immediate investigation.

The minister emphasized his department's commitment to women's safety, noting the Mahila Sanman Yojana program that provides women with a 50 percent discount on MSRTC bus travel has significantly increased female ridership.

Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar has instructed the Pune Police Commissioner to personally oversee the case and ensure the immediate arrest of the accused, Dattatray Gade.

"The incident of rape of our sister at Pune's Swargate bus stand is extremely shameful, painful and infuriating for every member of a civilized society," Pawar stated, adding that "there can be no punishment except the death penalty" for such a crime.

Manhunt launched for accused, Rs 1 lakh reward announced

Pune Police have announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Dattatray Gade, the prime accused in the horrific Pune bus rape case.

The history-sheeter remains absconding for the past 48 hours, prompting an extensive police search to apprehend him. The shocking incident occurred at around 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Swargate bus stand in Pune, where a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus.

Officials reported that the victim had arrived at the bus stand to board a bus to her hometown in Satara district when the accused, who was roaming around the premises, approached her under false pretences.

According to the police, Gade misled the woman by directing her to another bus, falsely claiming it was headed for her destination. Trusting his words, she boarded the bus, only for the accused to follow her and commit the crime inside before fleeing the scene.

The traumatised woman later managed to take another bus to her hometown, where she informed her friend about the assault and subsequently lodged a police complaint. Pune Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil confirmed that Gade has a history of criminal offences and was previously booked by Pune Rural Police. Authorities are actively tracking him down to bring him to justice.

The case has sparked outrage, raising serious concerns over security at public transport hubs, and authorities are under pressure to ensure swift justice for the victim while reinforcing safety protocols for women travellers.