Pune: In the wake of the shocking rape incident inside a MSRTC bus at Swargate bus station, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Vasant More and his supporters vandalized the bus depot to protest against the crime and highlight security lapses. The protestors smashed depot windows and office property, demanding immediate action and stronger security measures at public transport hubs.

The 26-year-old victim was waiting for a bus to Phaltan at Swargate when the accused, identified as Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, deceived her by claiming her bus was parked elsewhere. He then lured her into a dark, parked bus, locked the doors, and sexually assaulted her before fleeing.

DCP Smartna Patil confirmed that a case has been registered at Swargate Police Station, and eight special police teams have been deployed to track down the accused, who has a criminal record with past offenses registered in Shirur and Shikrapur.

In response to the incident, Shiv Sena (UBT) held a protest at Swargate depot. The demonstration turned violent, with Vasant More and his supporters smashing depot windows and vandalizing office equipment. They demanded strict action against the accused and an overhaul of security measures at Swargate and other major bus depots.

Law enforcement officials have:

• Identified the accused through CCTV footage

• Deployed multiple search teams

• Engaged a dog squad for tracking