February 28, 2025: The Pune Police on Friday arrested Dattatraya Ramadas Gade, the prime accused in the rape of a 26-year-old woman inside a stationary bus at Swargate bus station.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Smarthana Patil (Zone 2), Gade has a history of criminal activities, with multiple cases of theft, robbery, and chain-snatching registered against him in Pune and Ahilyanagar districts. He had been out on bail since 2019 in one of these cases.

The police had launched an extensive manhunt to apprehend Gade, deploying drones and a dog squad in Shirur tehsil on Thursday. At least 13 police teams were formed to track him down, focusing their search efforts in Gunat village, his native place. The operation, involving more than 100 personnel from both Pune City and Pune Rural Police, covered surrounding sugarcane fields and other hideouts.

The horrific incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Swargate bus station, one of the busiest depots of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). The survivor, a medical professional, was waiting for a bus to Phaltan in Satara district when Gade approached her, pretending to be helpful. Addressing her as ‘didi’ (sister), he misled her into boarding a parked 'Shiv Shahi' AC bus, claiming it was headed to her destination. Once inside, he overpowered and raped her in the dark, unlit vehicle.

The arrest of Gade comes after an intensive search operation, and the police are expected to produce him in court soon. Authorities have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and strict legal action will follow.

The incident has raised serious concerns over safety at public transport hubs, prompting calls for increased security measures at major bus depots across Maharashtra.