Pune: In the alleged rape case at Swargate Bus Stand, accused Dattatray Ramdas Gade has been remanded to 12 days of police custody. The case has taken a new turn following arguments presented by the defense lawyer, who claimed that the act was consensual.
During the court proceedings, Advocate Wajid Khan, representing the accused, argued that the victim entered the bus voluntarily and that there was no coercion involved. He further stated that if the act had been forced, the woman could have screamed for help, which she did not.
Additionally, the defense lawyer refuted the accused’s portrayal as a habitual offender, asserting that his previous criminal cases were related to theft and robbery, not sexual offenses, and that he had never been convicted in any of them.
Extensive Police Search Leads to Arrest
A large-scale search operation was conducted by Pune Police to track down the accused. Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that Gade was apprehended in Gunat village, Shirur Taluka, with the help of 500 police personnel. The search operation involved gathering information from 400-500 locals, as well as deploying drones and a dog squad.
Pune Police Strengthen Women’s Safety Measures
Following the incident, Pune Police conducted a security review and decided to increase patrolling in sensitive areas and dark spots to ensure women's safety. Commissioner Amitesh Kumar assured that authorities are committed to enhancing security measures.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings to Continue
As the investigation progresses, critical evidence such as CCTV footage, medical reports, and witness statements will play a pivotal role in the case.
The upcoming court hearings will be crucial in determining the validity of the defense claims and the findings of the police investigation.