After an intense 75-hour-long manhunt, Pune police arrested 37-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, the man accused of raping a 26-year-old woman inside a bus at the Swargate Bus Station. The accused was apprehended in the Shrirur Tehsil area following an extensive search operation involving multiple police teams, sniffer dogs, and drones.
The Incident
The crime took place in the early hours of Tuesday, between 5:45 am and 6 am, at the Swargate Bus Stand&mdash;one of the largest depots of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). The victim, a medical professional, was waiting to board a bus to her hometown in Satara when the accused approached her.
According to the survivor, Gade initially gained her trust by addressing her as &lsquo;didi&rsquo; (sister). He falsely claimed that her bus had arrived at a different platform and led her to an empty Shiv Shahi AC bus parked within the premises. The woman hesitated to board the vehicle as the lights were turned off, but Gade convinced her that it was indeed the right bus. Once inside, he followed her and then sexually assaulted her before fleeing the scene.
Extensive Search Operation
Following the horrific crime, Pune City Police and Pune Rural Police launched a large-scale operation to track down the accused. A total of 13 police teams were deployed across Maharashtra, focusing their efforts on Gunat village, where the accused was believed to be hiding. Law enforcement personnel searched sugarcane fields and other potential hideouts using sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance through drones.
To expedite the arrest, authorities announced a monetary reward of ₹1 lakh for any information leading to Gade&rsquo;s capture. The police also issued helpline numbers&mdash;020-24442769 and 9881670659&mdash;ensuring informants that their identities would remain confidential.
Accused&rsquo;s Criminal History
Investigations revealed that Gade had a history of criminal activities and had been posing as a policeman for several months. A resident of Gunat village in Pune, he has been named in at least six cases related to theft, robbery, and chain snatching in both Pune and Ahilyanagar districts. He had been out on bail since 2019 in connection with one of these offenses.
Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest, Gade has been taken into custody and will be produced before a magistrate for further legal proceedings. The Pune police are expected to seek his remand for detailed interrogation regarding both the rape case and his past criminal activities. Authorities are also investigating whether he was involved in any other crimes during his period of evasion.
The incident has sparked outrage in Pune, with citizens and activists demanding stricter security measures at bus terminals and other public spaces to ensure women&rsquo;s safety. Police officials have assured that security at the Swargate Bus Stand and other major transit hubs will be reinforced to prevent such incidents in the future.
This case underscores the urgent need for increased vigilance and stricter enforcement of law and order to prevent crimes against women and bring perpetrators to justice swiftly.
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Pune rape crime scene, police investigation and accused Dattatraya Ramdas Gade

Police nab accused Dattatraya Gade; investigation underway on past crimes and legal proceedings

Pune Rape Accused Arrested After 75-Hour Manhunt

Police nab accused Dattatraya Gade; investigation underway on past crimes and legal proceedings

February 28, 2025 | 09:24 IST