Pune bus rape case: Hunt on for accused, ₹1 lakh reward announced

Pune: A massive manhunt is underway for Dattatray Gade, the prime accused in the shocking Pune bus rape case, with Pune Police announcing a reward of ₹1 lakh for any information leading to his arrest.

Gade, a history-sheeter, has been on the run for 48 hours, prompting an intensified search operation. The horrific incident took place 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.

According to police officials, the victim had reached the bus stand to board a bus to her hometown in Satara district when Gade, who was loitering around the premises, approached her under false pretences. Misleading her by directing her to another bus, he falsely claimed it was heading to her destination. Trusting him, she boarded the vehicle, unaware of his intentions. Once inside, the accused followed and sexually assaulted her before fleeing the scene.

The traumatised woman later took another bus to her hometown, where she confided in a friend and subsequently filed a police complaint.

Pune Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil confirmed that Gade has a criminal history and was previously booked by Pune Rural Police. Authorities are working relentlessly to track him down and ensure justice.

In response to the incident, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered a departmental inquiry against the station master and depot manager at Swargate bus stand. The MSRTC has also replaced security guards at the premises and has been directed to submit a detailed report within seven days.

A statement from MSRTC highlighted the increasing female ridership under the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana.’ In light of the incident, Minister Sarnaik has convened a meeting of senior transport officials to bolster safety measures for women passengers. He has also warned that any negligence on the part of officials will lead to immediate suspension.

The case has sparked widespread outrage, raising serious concerns over the security of public transport hubs. Authorities are under mounting pressure to deliver swift justice to the victim while strengthening measures to ensure the safety of women passengers.

With IANS inputs