Pune Bus Stand Rape: Accused Hiding in Sugarcane Field? Police Deploy Drones for Manhunt

Summary: Pune rape accused Dattatraya Gade remains on the run after assaulting a young woman inside a bus at Swargate Bus Stand. Police deploy drones and sniffer dogs in a sugarcane field near his hometown to track him. Maharashtra Deputy CMs demand strict punishment.

The manhunt for Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, accused of raping a young woman inside a parked bus at Pune’s Swargate Bus Stand, has intensified as police believe he may be hiding in a sugarcane field near his hometown.

Sources indicate that drones and sniffer dogs have been deployed to aid the search, as the dense sugarcane crop—reaching up to 10 feet in height—makes it challenging for police teams to conduct a manual search. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar have condemned the incident and demanded the strictest punishment for the accused.

Police Deploy Advanced Search Operations

According to police sources, Gade managed to escape Pune by hitching a ride on a vegetable truck. After reaching his hometown, he changed his clothes and footwear to evade identification. To track him down, law enforcement agencies have deployed:

• 13 special teams, including eight from the Crime Branch.
• Sniffer dogs and drones to comb through the sugarcane fields.
• Family and associate interrogations to gather intelligence.
• A cash reward of ₹1 lakh for credible leads on his whereabouts.

Junior Home Minister Yogesh Kadam confirmed that Gade’s probable location has been identified, and police are closing in on him.

Details of the Pune Bus Stand Rape Incident

The horrifying crime took place in the early hours of Tuesday, between 5:45 am and 6:00 am, in an area just 100 meters from a police station.

How the Incident Unfolded

• The victim, a young domestic worker, was waiting at Pune’s Swargate Bus Stand for a bus to her hometown in Satara district.
• Gade approached her, addressing her as ‘didi’ (sister) and offered assistance.
• He convinced her that a bus parked in a dimly lit corner would take her to her destination.
• CCTV footage captured both of them walking towards the bus.
• The woman hesitated to enter the unlit bus, but Gade reassured her that other passengers were asleep inside.
• Once she entered, Gade followed, locked the doors, and assaulted her.
• After the attack, he fled the scene while the victim reached out to a friend, who urged her to file a police complaint.

The police promptly registered an FIR and accessed CCTV footage, which provided crucial leads in tracking Gade.

Criminal Record of the Accused

Investigations have revealed that Gade, 36, has a history of criminal activities, including theft, robbery, and chain-snatching in Pune and Ahilyanagar districts.

Despite facing at least six previous charges, he has been out on bail since 2019. Authorities are now questioning how such an individual was allowed to roam freely despite his criminal past.

Government and Public Outrage

The shocking nature of the crime has triggered widespread outrage, with citizens questioning the security arrangements at Pune’s bus depot.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde assured that Gade “will not be spared”, while Deputy CM Ajit Pawar demanded capital punishment for such heinous crimes.

State Transport authorities have come under scrutiny, prompting immediate action:

• Security guards at Swargate Bus Stand have been replaced.
• The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has launched an internal inquiry.
• A report on safety lapses is expected within a week.

The MSRTC, one of India’s largest public transport networks, operates a fleet of over 14,000 buses, serving more than 55 lakh passengers daily. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at transport hubs across the state.

Legal and Social Implications

This case has reignited debates on women’s safety in public spaces and the effectiveness of India’s judicial system in handling repeat offenders. Activists and legal experts are calling for:

• Stronger surveillance at bus stations and public areas.
• Faster trials and harsher penalties for sexual offenders.
• Better rehabilitation programs to prevent repeat offenses.

Maharashtra’s government has promised systemic reforms to improve security measures at bus depots, railway stations, and other public transport areas.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

Police forces continue their rigorous search operation, with drones and K9 units scouring sugarcane fields where Gade is suspected to be hiding. Authorities are hopeful that the ₹1 lakh reward will encourage informants to come forward.

As the manhunt intensifies, citizens await justice for the victim and stronger measures to prevent such horrific incidents in the future.

The Pune bus stand rape case has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, highlighting serious security lapses in public transport hubs. As police ramp up efforts to capture the accused, the government faces increasing pressure to deliver justice and implement lasting safety measures. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for handling crimes against women in public spaces across India.