- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Amid mounting pressure, Pune police have intensified their search for history-sheeter Dattatray Ramdas Gade (37), the accused in the Swargate bus rape case. To trace him, the police deployed drones and dog squads in Shirur taluka of Pune district on Thursday. Gade is accused of raping a 26-year-old woman inside a stationary Shivshahi bus belonging to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) at Swargate bus stand two days ago. In response, a massive police operation was launched, with several senior officials and over 100 personnel reaching Gunat village, his native place in Shirur taluka, to conduct the search.
Police officials revealed that drones are being used for aerial surveillance of the surrounding sugarcane fields, where they suspect Gade may be hiding. Additionally, a dog squad was brought in to aid in tracking him down. Despite these measures, he remains at large.
Reward Announced for Information on Gade
To encourage public assistance in his capture, Pune city police have announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for any credible information leading to Gade’s arrest. The police have urged informants to contact senior police inspector Yuvraj Nandre (9881670659) or police sub-inspector Punam Patil (8600444569), assuring that their identities will be kept confidential.
Meanwhile, the Pune Rural police have expanded the search to the entire Shirur area. They have also questioned multiple people, including Gade’s friends, relatives, and acquaintances, to gather leads on his whereabouts.
Criminal Background of the Accused
Gade, a resident of Gunat village, has a criminal record, with previous cases of robbery and theft filed against him by Pune Rural police. Given his history, authorities are taking no chances in apprehending him swiftly.
Pune Bus Rape Case
According to the police, the incident occurred when the 26-year-old victim was waiting at Swargate bus stand for transportation to Satara. Gade approached her and initiated a conversation, addressing her as ‘didi’ (sister). He then misled her, claiming that her bus was stationed at a different platform.
Once he lured her to an empty Shivshahi AC bus parked nearby, he convinced her to board despite the vehicle’s lights being off. After she entered, he followed her inside, assaulted her, and fled the scene.