NEW DELHI: A Maharashtra court on Wednesday remanded Dattatray Gade, the accused in the Swargate bus rape case, to police custody until March 26. The incident took place in Pune where Gade had allegedly raped a 26-year-old woman inside a parked state transport (MSRTC) bus at the Swargate terminus in the early hours of February 25, police said.
Arrest and investigation
Gade was arrested from a sugarcane field in Gunat village, Pune district, following an extensive manhunt involving drones and sniffer dogs. The search operation lasted two days, with villagers assisting the police. According to officials, Gade made multiple suicide attempts while hiding but failed each time due to a broken rope. He was ultimately captured after leaving his hiding spot in search of drinking water.
Upon his arrest, Gade was produced in court following a 12-day police custody. The crime branch sought his judicial custody while reserving the right to recall him for two additional days of police custody. The court granted judicial custody till March 26.
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Authorities call for inquiry into security lapses
The survivor, who works as a preoperative counsellor at a hospital in Pune, was waiting at Swargate depot to catch a bus to Phaltan when Gade approached her, pretending to be a conductor. He convinced her to board a parked Shivshahi bus, locked the doors, and allegedly raped her before fleeing. Initially too shaken to speak out, the victim later gathered the courage to report the crime with support from a friend.
The case has sparked public outrage, with protests erupting at the Swargate terminus. Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar condemned the incident, calling for swift justice. Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik ordered an inquiry into security lapses, leading to the dismissal of 23 security personnel and investigations into two senior officials. Authorities have since ramped up security measures at major bus terminals across the state, installing additional CCTV cameras and increasing police patrols.
Defence claims consent, police cite forensic proof
During the court hearing, Gade’s defence lawyers argued that the encounter was consensual. However, the police refuted these claims, citing forensic evidence and CCTV footage. Authorities have sent the bus for forensic examination and are ensuring all evidence is properly documented.