Summary: Pune police successfully arrested Dattatray Gade, the prime accused in the rape of a 26-year-old woman, after an intensive 75-hour manhunt that involved drones, dog squads, and coordinated efforts from over 100 police personnel. The arrest took place late Thursday night after a dramatic chase spanning multiple locations across Pune district.
The Manhunt
The search operation was launched immediately after the brutal crime, with authorities deploying 13 police teams equipped with advanced surveillance technology. A crucial lead emerged when Gade sought refuge at a relative’s home around 10:30 PM on Thursday. Upon learning of his arrival, his relatives alerted the police, setting the stage for his capture.
Before fleeing again, Gade took a bottle of water and admitted to his family that he had committed a grave mistake and needed to surrender. A discarded shirt found at the scene was used to provide the police dog squad with his scent, helping track his movements. Following his trail, the police found him hiding in a sugarcane field near a canal close to his relatives’ house.
In the final moments of the chase, villagers discovered Gade near the canal and immediately informed the authorities. He was taken into custody and transported to Pune, where the Special Investigation Team (SIT) at Swargate Police Station formally arrested him.
The Accused’s Criminal History
Gade, a 37-year-old from Shirur in Pune district, has a long history of criminal activities, with at least six cases registered against him. His criminal record dates back to 2019 when he was arrested for robbing elderly women under the guise of offering them transport services in his vehicle. That arrest led to the recovery of 140 grams of stolen gold.
In 2020, he was convicted for robbery in Karde Ghat near Shirur and served a jail sentence of five to six months before being released on bail. Despite multiple pending cases in Shikarpur, Supa, Kedgaon, and Kotwali police stations of Ahilyanagar district, Gade remained at large.
Beyond his criminal activities, he was also involved in local politics, having worked for a prominent leader during recent elections. He even contested for a position in the Sangharsh-Mukti Samiti of Gunat village but was unsuccessful.
The Crime
The horrific crime took place in the early hours of Tuesday at Pune’s Swargate bus depot. The victim, a working professional in the medical field, was waiting for a bus to Phaltan in Satara district at around 5:45 AM when Gade approached her, pretending to be a helpful commuter. Addressing her politely, he misled her by claiming her bus was stationed at a different platform.
He then guided her towards an empty Shiv Shahi AC bus, falsely convincing her that it was the correct vehicle. Once she boarded, he followed her inside, locking the doors before committing the crime. CCTV footage later confirmed that Gade had been lingering around the bus depot and was dressed in formal attire, posing as a police officer.
Aftermath and Public Response
The incident sparked widespread outrage across Maharashtra, prompting swift action from law enforcement and government officials. The police had earlier announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to Gade’s arrest.
Following the arrest, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that the government would push for the strictest punishment against Gade, potentially seeking the death penalty. The case has reignited debates around rape laws and their effectiveness in preventing such crimes.
The state government has also ordered a security audit of all bus depots across Maharashtra, directing authorities to clear unauthorized vehicles from premises by mid-April. Additionally, transport officials have been instructed to deploy more female security personnel at bus stations and appoint an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer as the Chief Security and Vigilance Officer for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
In response to the incident, disciplinary action has been initiated against the Assistant Transport Superintendent and the Bus Depot Manager at Swargate for lapses in security measures.
Call for Stronger Measures
The case has intensified calls for stricter surveillance at public transport hubs and more stringent punishments for repeat offenders. While legislative changes have been implemented over the years to strengthen rape laws in India, experts believe that effective enforcement and preventive measures are equally critical in ensuring public safety.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on delivering justice for the victim and addressing systemic flaws that allowed the crime to take place. The arrest of Gade marks a significant victory for law enforcement, but the larger battle against crimes against women continues.
Last Updated on: Friday, February 28, 2025 1:36 pm by Pioneer Today Team | Published by: Pioneer Today Team on Friday, February 28, 2025 1:36 pm | News Categories: News
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