Police announce Rs 1 lakh reward for suspect, release photo
Pune Police Announce Reward for Rape Suspect
Pune Police have announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Dattatraya Ramdas Gade – the man accused of raping a 27-year-old woman early Tuesday. The incident took place inside a bus parked in the busy Swargate Bus Stand, just 100 meters away from a police station.
Prior Criminal Record
Gade, 36, has a prior criminal record with charges of theft, robbery, and chain-snatching in Pune and the neighbouring Ahilyanagar district. Despite being out on bail since 2019, he has now become the subject of a massive manhunt by the police.
Intensive Search Operations
The police have set up 13 special teams, including eight from the Crime Branch, to track down Gade. These teams have been conducting searches at various locations, including railway stations and bus stands. Smartana Patil, Pune DCP (Zone II), mentioned that Gade had been difficult to identify due to wearing a face mask.
Challenges Faced in Investigation
Gade has been on the run for over 48 hours, posing a challenge for law enforcement. Junior Home Minister Yogesh Kadam highlighted that the news of the incident was initially suppressed to prevent the accused from being alerted and attempting to escape. The police have been meticulously reviewing CCTV footage and pursuing leads to locate and apprehend Gade.
Details of the Rape Incident
The rape occurred between 5.45 am and 6 am on Tuesday when the victim, a domestic worker, was waiting to board a bus to her hometown. The perpetrator, Gade, misled her into entering a bus parked in the depot, where he proceeded to assault her. The victim reported the crime to the authorities, triggering a swift response from the police.
Political Fallout and Government Response
The incident has sparked a political debate, with opposition parties criticizing the government for lapses in ensuring women’s safety. The Maharashtra government has pledged to deliver justice for the victim, with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasizing the gravity of the crime and the need for stringent punishment.
Call for Accountability
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, under scrutiny for security lapses, has initiated an inquiry into the incident. The public outrage over the heinous crime has prompted calls for accountability and improved safety measures in public transportation facilities.
Support for the Victim
Various political leaders and activists have expressed solidarity with the victim and demanded swift action against the perpetrator. The government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of women in society has been reiterated in the wake of this tragic event.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice, while also addressing systemic issues to prevent such atrocities in the future.