In a shocking incident a 27-year-old woman waiting for a bus at Pune’s Swargate Bus Stand was lured, trapped, and raped inside a parked bus—just 100 meters from a police station. The accused, Dattatraya Ramdas Gade (36), has a criminal history, including theft and robbery, and had been out on bail since 2019.
Gade approached the woman, calling her ‘didi’ and offering help. He claimed to show her the right bus and led her to a dark, unlit vehicle, saying the lights were off because passengers were sleeping. The moment she stepped inside, he locked the doors and assaulted her.
The survivor bravely reported the assault with the support of a friend. Now, Pune Police has launched a massive manhunt, setting up 13 special teams and announcing a ₹1 lakh reward for leads on Gade’s whereabouts.
MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) is under fire for failing to ensure safety in its premises. Guards at the depot have been replaced, and an inquiry is underway. But why did it take a horrific assault to push for change?
Trust your gut, question the situation, and never step into an unsafe space alone.
