Pune Bus Rape Case: Suspect on the Run, ₹1 Lakh Reward Announced
A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside an MSRTC bus at Pune's Swargate bus stand. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, and announced a ₹1 lakh reward for information. Read more on the investigation and public response.
kowshik Reddy
On February 25, 2025, a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a stationary Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at Pune's Swargate bus stand. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, reportedly deceived the victim by directing her to the empty bus, where the assault occurred. Gade, a known repeat offender with prior theft and chain-snatching charges, had been out on bail since 2019.
In response to the incident, Pune City Police have initiated a comprehensive manhunt, forming 13 specialized teams—eight from the Crime Branch and five from the Swargate Police Station—to locate and apprehend Gade. Authorities have released his photograph and announced a ₹1 lakh reward for information leading to his capture.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Smartana Patil noted that the suspect wore a mask during the attack, complicating identification efforts. Despite this challenge, law enforcement is diligently pursuing all leads.
The incident has sparked significant public outrage and political discourse. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut compared the assault to the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures for women. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured the public that the perpetrator would face strict action, stating, "The culprit in this case will not be spared, be it whoever he is."
In light of the attack, the MSRTC has come under scrutiny for security lapses at the Swargate depot. Maharashtra Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, criticized the private security agency responsible for the depot's safety and called for heightened vigilance to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, the bus involved has been sent for forensic analysis to gather additional evidence. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Gade's whereabouts to come forward, assuring that informants' identities will remain confidential.
