26-Year-Old Woman Raped Inside Bus Near Pune Police Station

A 26-year-old woman was raped early Tuesday morning inside a bus parked at Pune’s Swargate Bus Stand, alarmingly situated just 100 meters from a police station. The crime occurred between 5:45 AM and 6:30 AM, while the woman, a domestic worker traveling to her home village of Phaltan in Satara district, was waiting for transportation.

Accused Identified

The accused, identified as 36-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas, was recognized through CCTV footage but has not yet been apprehended. In response to the incident, police have formed eight special teams and deployed a canine sniffer unit to locate him. Ramdas has a prior criminal record, raising concerns about public safety.

Now, everyone—including those responsible—will express their anger. But is Pune really safe?

A 26-year-old woman was misled by a man at Swargate ST stand and raped in a parked bus. The accused, Dattatray Ramdas Gade, is on the run, and police have launched a manhunt.

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— Vijay Kumbhar (@VijayKumbhar62) February 26, 2025

Details of the Assault

According to police reports, preliminary analysis of the CCTV footage indicates that Ramdas approached the victim, addressing her as ‘didi’ (sister), and inquired about her destination. He lured her into the unlit bus, claiming other passengers were asleep. Once inside, he locked the door and assaulted her.

Horrifying incident unfolded early morning at Pune's Swargate bus stand, where a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a Shivshahi bus. The accused has been identified as Dattatray Ramdas Gade, who reportedly has a criminal record.#ReporterDiary | @omkarasks pic.twitter.com/QZ8tY1yVN6

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) February 26, 2025

After the attack, the victim managed to board another bus where she confided in a friend about the assault. Her friend urged her to report the incident to the police, which prompted immediate action from law enforcement.

Police Investigation Underway

The police swiftly filed a complaint and accessed the CCTV footage, kickstarting their investigation. They are also looking into how the bus depot management allowed such an incident to occur on their premises. The Swargate Bus Stand is one of the largest operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, reported NDTV.

Government Response

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar described the incident as “extremely unfortunate, distressing, infuriating,” and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. He stated that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is taking the matter seriously and has instructed the police to ensure the swift arrest of the accused. Pawar expressed that the crime is unforgivable and called for the harshest punishment under the law.

“The incident of rape on one of our sisters at the Swargate bus station in Pune is extremely unfortunate, distressing, infuriating to all in a civilized society, and one that makes us hang our heads in shame. The crime committed by the accused in this case is unforgivable, and there can be no punishment other than hanging. I have personally instructed the Pune Police Commissioner to take a hands-on approach in investigating this matter and to arrest the accused immediately,” Mr Pawar posted on X.

#PuneRapeCase: Woman Raped Inside MSRTC Bus At Pune Depot #DNAVideos | #PuneSwargateRapeCase | #PuneNews

For more videos, click here https://t.co/6ddeGFqM3o pic.twitter.com/1gJSlCIDOt

— DNA (@dna) February 26, 2025

Political Reactions

The incident has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, who have blamed the ruling government for rising crime rates in Pune. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal highlighted the increase in rape incidents, referencing the infamous Nirbhaya case in Delhi in 2012. He accused the BJP-led government of focusing on financial aid for women while neglecting their safety.

#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More along with other party leaders, holds a protest at the Swargate bus stand over the alleged rape of a 26-year-old woman. pic.twitter.com/du9aQCMJyL

— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2025

NCP leader Supriya Sule criticized the occurrence of such a crime in an area that is supposed to be regularly patrolled by police, asserting that it reflects a lack of fear among criminals. Protests have erupted at the bus stand, led by the Shiv Sena faction associated with former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, demanding accountability and justice for the victim.