Pune: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken serious note of the sexual assault incident at the Swargate ST Bus Terminal and has directed the Pune Police to submit an investigation report within three days. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar issued these instructions to Maharashtra’s Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla.
The incident involved a habitual offender who allegedly sexually assaulted a young woman inside the bus terminal premises. The case has sparked widespread public anger. In response, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has instructed Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar to ensure the immediate arrest of the accused.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has also taken serious cognizance of the matter and has formally communicated with DGP Rashmi Shukla. In her letter, she described the incident as highly distressing and emphasized the need for a proper investigation. She has instructed the police to ensure that the victim receives necessary medical assistance and to submit a detailed report within three days. The report must include the findings of the police investigation and a copy of the victim’s complaint.
The Pune Police have launched a detailed probe into the case. The accused, Dattatraya Gade, is a resident of Bhor taluka. Investigators have questioned his friends, and preliminary findings reveal that Gade had previously sought contact details of women from a female friend and had harassed them as well. Police have indicated that they will also question his parents and brother as part of the investigation.
It has also been revealed that the accused had been posing as a bus conductor at the Swargate ST Bus Terminal. The bus in which the crime took place has been sent for forensic examination. Experts will conduct a detailed analysis of the vehicle, and the driver’s statement has already been recorded as part of the investigation.