Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, a Pune rape suspect, has been evading capture by posing as a policeman for months. He is wanted for allegedly raping a 26-year-old woman at the Swargate bus station. The accused, known for his criminal history, often frequented the bus depot while claiming to be law enforcement. Following the incident, Maharashtra officials announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to his arrest. In response to rising safety concerns, transport authorities plan to enhance security at bus stations through audits, increased patrols, and installation of CCTV cameras and panic buttons in around 15,000 buses.
Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, the Pune rape suspect currently evading capture, masqueraded as a police officer for several months, according to sources speaking with NDTV. Pune Police Commissioner has announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for anyone who can provide information regarding his location.
On Tuesday, a 26-year-old woman reported being raped aboard a state transport bus at the Swargate bus station, one of the largest depots operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), in Pune.
The 37-year-old suspect, hailing from Gunat village in Pune, is linked to multiple cases involving theft, robbery, and chain-snatching in Pune and Ahilyanagar district. He has been out on bail since 2019 for one of these offenses.
Sources indicate that the Swargate bus stop was a frequent location for the accused. He was reportedly seen around the area dressed in a shirt, sports shoes, and a mask, claiming to be a policeman, as per the sources.
The survivor recounted that she was waiting for a bus to Phaltan in Satara district at one of the platforms around 5:45 am on Tuesday when the accused approached her, referring to her as ‘didi’ (sister) and informed her that the bus to Satara was departing from another platform.
He led her to an empty ‘Shiv Shahi’ AC bus parked in another part of the premises. Although the bus’s interior lights were off, causing her to hesitate, he persuaded her that it was the correct bus. Once inside, he followed her and assaulted her, the woman, who is employed in the medical field, stated to the police.
Residents from Gunat village revealed that the accused is married with children. He also has a brother, and his parents work as farm laborers, according to village accounts.
Today, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik mandated a security audit of all bus stations and depots belonging to the State Road Transport Corporation.
The minister has instructed that female security guards be deployed, as per an MSRTC statement. He has also urged an increase in police patrols at depots and bus stations, emphasizing that depot managers should remain on-site to monitor activities.
The MSRTC has issued an internal memo directing staff to wear appropriate uniforms with nameplates for better identification.
CCTV cameras will be required along with GPS and panic buttons in approximately 15,000 MSRTC buses, including those leased from private contractors, Mr. Sarnaik announced.