Man Accused of Raping Woman Inside Bus in Pune Arrested After 70-Hour Manhunt
Pune, February 28, 2025 – A 37-year-old man accused of raping a 26-year-old woman inside a state transport bus in Pune has been arrested after a dramatic 70-hour manhunt. Dattatray Ramdas Gade was nabbed by the Crime Branch in a village in Shirur, Pune district, on Friday, bringing relief to a city shaken by the horrific crime.
The incident occurred early Tuesday at around 5:30 am at the busy Swargate bus stand, just 100 meters from a police station. Gade allegedly tricked the woman, who was waiting for a bus to Phaltan, by claiming her bus was parked elsewhere. Calling her “didi” (sister) to gain her trust, he lured her into an empty ‘Shiv Shahi’ AC bus, where he committed the crime. The woman hesitated to enter the dark bus, but Gade convinced her it was safe. The assault went unnoticed until bus station officials were alerted at 10 am.
Gade, a resident of Gunat village with a criminal record including theft and robbery, fled the scene immediately. The Pune police launched an intense search, forming 13 teams and using drones, sniffer dogs, and over 100 personnel to track him down. They searched sugarcane fields in his hometown and tightened security at Pune’s key transport hubs. A Rs 1 lakh reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.
ALSO READ | SS Rajamouli Accused of Harassment and Ruining Career Over Love Triangle in Suicide Note
The crime sparked widespread outrage in Pune, with protests planned by political groups like the NCP and MNS. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered swift action, putting pressure on the police to deliver justice. The fact that such a bold crime happened in a public place has raised serious safety concerns among residents.
The victim bravely reported the incident, telling police how Gade posed as a bus conductor to deceive her. While Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) officials supported this claim, police are still verifying it. Gade’s arrest marks the end of a tense manhunt, but the incident has left Pune demanding stronger measures to protect women in public spaces.
This case highlights the need for better security at transport hubs and stricter monitoring of known offenders. As investigations continue, Pune remains on edge, awaiting justice for the young woman whose life was forever changed.
