A young woman was raped at Pune’s Swargate Bus Stand, just 100 meters from a police station, sparking outrage and calls for the death penalty for the accused from Maharashtra’s deputy chief ministers. This incident reignites discussions on India’s rape laws, which were revised after the notorious 2012 ‘Nirbhaya’ case, but sexual violence remains prevalent. Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized that legal reforms aren’t enough without societal change and effective law enforcement. The accused, Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, a 36-year-old with a criminal history, is currently on the run as police intensify their search.
New Delhi:
The Pune rape incident – a young woman was assaulted Tuesday morning, just 100 metres away from a police station while on a bus at the Swargate Bus Stand in the city – has sparked outrage, prompting Maharashtra’s deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar to demand the death penalty for the perpetrator.
This incident has also reignited discussions about rape laws in India, which were expected to have been revised and made stricter following the horrific rape-murder of a woman in Delhi in 2012.
The brutal and inhumane attack – where her assailants forced iron rods into her body – drew condemnation from the United Nations, and she became known as ‘Nirbhaya’, meaning ‘fearless’.
The effectiveness of the legal overhaul, which involved redefining ‘rape’ and establishing a minimum prison term of 20 years for rapists causing death or a “persistent vegetative state,” remains uncertain. Despite these changes, reports of rapes continue to surge, with many incidents involving the insertion of foreign objects into women’s bodies.
Regarding the effectiveness of the legal reforms, former Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud commented Thursday, stating, “Significant changes were made following the ‘Nirbhaya’ incident… but we cannot prevent such occurrences solely through legislation.”
VIDEO | Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Pune bus rape incident states, “Significant changes were made in the laws following the ‘Nirbhaya’ incident; however, we cannot prevent such incidents solely by having laws. There is significant responsibility on society and apart… pic.twitter.com/hN3Vb0WcHc
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 27, 2025
“There is a tremendous responsibility on society, and in addition, these laws must be implemented effectively. Laws designed to protect women should be enforced properly,” he emphasized.
“Women should feel secure wherever they are. It is crucial that in such cases, there is a thorough investigation, decisive action, swift trials, and appropriate punishment. The legal system and police must take on this responsibility,” he stressed.
What ‘Nirbhaya’s’ Mother Said
On the 12th anniversary of the Delhi rape case last December, ‘Nirbhaya’s’ mother expressed deep sorrow over the continued lack of safety for women across India.
“With great pain, I have to say that even after 12 years, the situation remains unchanged… The daughters of the nation are not safe…” she said, holding back tears at the National Convention on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children.
READ | 12 Years After Nirbhaya’, Mother Says Women Still Unsafe In India
“Jo bhi humara kanoon hai uspe sahi mayane mein kaam ho taki humari bacchiyon ko insaaf mile (Whatever laws we have, they should be effective so that our daughters receive justice).”
‘Nirbhaya’s’ mother, Asha Devi, has led a long and arduous fight for justice for her daughter (File).
Between the ‘Nirbhaya’ and Pune bus rapes, there have been numerous other horrific assaults, including the tragic rape-murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital last August, and the gangrape of a 20-year-old Dalit woman in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras.
Countless reports of minors being sexually assaulted and killed have also surfaced, often involving family members, who are tasked with ensuring their safety.
Pune Bus Stand Rape
The alleged assault occurred between 5:45 am and 6:00 am on Tuesday.
The victim, a domestic worker, was waiting to board a bus to her hometown in the Satara district when she was approached by the suspect, identified as Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, a 36-year-old man with six prior criminal cases against him who has been out on bail since 2019.
Gade has been evading authorities since the incident.
READ | Pune Rape Accused Hiding In Sugarcane Field? Drones Used
The Pune Police, criticized for not providing adequate security at the bus stand, have assembled 13 special teams to locate him. Earlier today, sources informed NDTV that Gade had been traced to his hometown.
The area is abundant with sugarcane fields, where he is believed to be hiding. Authorities have deployed drones and sniffer dogs to assist in his capture, sources revealed.
A reward of ₹1 lakh has been offered by the police for Gade’s arrest.
In addition to the police and the Maharashtra Road Transport Corporation, which operates the bus stand, the state’s ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP, has also faced criticism.
READ | Pune Woman Raped In Bus By Man On Bail Since 2019
Opposition figures from the Congress and the Shiv Sena and NCP factions headed by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar have condemned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ government for failing to safeguard women. Mr. Fadnavis also oversees the state’s Home Department.
With input from agencies
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