Fri Feb 28 06:03:02 UTC 2025: ## Pune Bus Rape Accused is Serial Offender with History of Robbery

**Pune, Maharashtra –** A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped on a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus parked just 100 meters from a police station in Shirur, Maharashtra. The accused, Dattatray Gade, is a serial offender with a history of theft, robbery, and chain-snatching in Pune and Ahilyanagar.

Gade, who posed as a policeman, has been implicated in at least half a dozen previous cases, dating back several years. He was out on bail since 2019 for one of these offenses. Police investigations revealed that he operated a taxi service between Pune and Ahilyanagar, targeting elderly women with jewelry, luring them with rides and robbing them at knifepoint. He served a five to six-month jail sentence in 2020 for a robbery conviction.

Despite his criminal record, Gade’s picture appeared on a campaign banner for a local politician, raising questions about his background and activities. He also unsuccessfully ran for a local village post. His impoverished family lives in Gunat village, where he reportedly turned to liquor and taxi businesses to earn money quickly.

The incident has sparked outrage and highlighted a critical security lapse within the MSRTC. The corporation has been without a Chief Security and Vigilance Officer (CSVO) since June 2022. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has requested the state home department to appoint an IPS officer to fill the vacant position. Gade is currently in custody.

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