The Pune City Police have intensified efforts to apprehend the accused in the Swargate bus depot rape case, deploying 13 teams across the region.
A cash reward of Rs one lakh has been announced for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Dattatray Ramdas Gade, who remains at large since the incident on 25 February.
Eight teams from the Crime Branch and five from Swargate Police Station have been mobilised, with officers extending their search beyond the district.
“We have declared a Rs one lakh cash award for the person who helps in nabbing the accused. The bus has been sent for forensic examination, and our teams have been working relentlessly since the incident occurred,” said Smartana Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone II, Pune.
DCP Patil noted the challenges in identifying the suspect, as he had worn a mask during the attack, making facial recognition difficult.
“The problem is that the accused had a mask on when the incident happened, and his face wasn't easily recognisable. But our team worked hard to identify him, and we have other pieces of evidence against him. All that is left is to nab him,” she stated.
Also read: Pune: Rape in MSRTC bus, protesters vandalise bus stand
The Maharashtra government has also stepped in, with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik ordering a departmental inquiry against the Assistant Transport Superintendent and the Bus Depot Manager of Swargate Bus Depot.
“The minister has given instructions to suspend them if they are found at fault in the inquiry,” stated an official from the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
Additionally, Minister Sarnaik has directed the MSRTC to replace all existing security personnel at the Swargate bus depot with new staff to enhance security and prevent such incidents in the future.
The assault took place when the 26-year-old survivor, a working woman, was waiting at the Swargate depot for a bus to return to her home in Phaltan, around 100 km away.
The accused allegedly misled her by claiming her bus was parked elsewhere. Once inside a parked MSRTC Shivshahi bus, he allegedly followed her in and committed the crime.
The case has sparked outrage, with protests erupting in Pune demanding swift justice.
Security measures at public transport hubs have come under renewed scrutiny, with calls for heightened surveillance, better lighting, and dedicated security personnel at depots and bus stations.
Police have urged the public to come forward with any relevant information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts. Investigators remain optimistic that the accused will be apprehended soon.
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