Pune: The police have recorded the statement of Dattatray Gade, the accused in the Swargate bus stand sexual assault case, and conducted a sexual potency test at Sassoon Hospital. According to the police, the test results came back positive. Further DNA testing will now be carried out to support the investigation.
The incident occurred on February 25, when a young woman was sexually assaulted inside a MSRTC bus parked at Swargate depot. The accused, Dattatray Gade, allegedly posed as a bus conductor and misled the victim before assaulting her inside the bus.
After the crime, Gade fled from the scene. However, the police tracked him down and arrested him on Friday midnight from Gunat village in Shirur taluka. He was produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody until March 12. The police recorded his statement on Saturday, confirmed DCP Smartna Patil (Zone 2).
According to the victim’s complaint, the accused gained her trust by calling her "Tai" (sister) before forcing her into the bus. He then strangled her and sexually assaulted her. Even after she pleaded, saying, "Dada, please let me go home," Gade assaulted her again.
Following his arrest, Gade was taken to Pune for a medical examination at Sassoon Hospital. The sexual potency test report was positive, confirming his ability to commit the crime.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the police have now decided to conduct a DNA test. Blood and hair samples have been collected and sent to the forensic science laboratory for analysis.
Forensic experts conducted a thorough inspection of the MSRTC bus where the crime took place. A detailed forensic analysis is underway, and the bus has been sent for further forensic examination.
