Pune: A shocking case of sexual assault has surfaced at Swargate Bus Stand, where a 26-year-old woman was raped inside a stationary MSRTC bus in the early hours of Monday (February 24) morning.
The incident has sparked outrage, with political leaders and activists demanding strict action. Meanwhile, an investigation has uncovered alarming evidence of illicit activities within abandoned buses at the depot. Following the incident, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Vasant More led a protest at Swargate Bus Stand, alleging that four abandoned buses were being used for lodging and other illegal activities.
Protestors found condoms, sarees, blankets, and liquor bottles inside the buses, raising concerns about the depot becoming a hub for unlawful activities. More and his supporters vandalized parts of the depot, demanding accountability from officials and security personnel.
Speaking to the media, Vasant More stated, “ST buses are being misused as illegal lodges. We found blankets, sarees, and even condoms inside. Every day, around 100 condoms are discovered here. Security guards are stationed nearby, yet crimes like rape continue to happen. Strict action must be taken against the depot authorities and security personnel.”
He further alleged that buses meant for scrap disposal were being left at the depot, contributing to lawlessness in the area.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartna Patil provided details of the rape case, confirming that the incident occurred inside a stationary MSRTC bus at Swargate Bus Stand.
The victim, a working woman in Pune, was waiting for a bus to Phaltan at the Swargate Bus Terminal early Monday morning. The accused approached her, engaging her in conversation and misleading her into believing that her bus was parked elsewhere. Upon reaching a dark, secluded bus, the woman became suspicious, but the accused assured her that it was a night bus with passengers inside. When she stepped into the bus, the accused locked the door and sexually assaulted her before fleeing.
The traumatized woman later contacted her friend, who advised her to report the incident. Following this, she filed a police complaint at Swargate Police Station. A major manhunt is underway to track down the accused, identified as Dattatraya Ramdas Gade.
