Thu Feb 27 18:05:05 UTC 2025: ## Pune Police Offer ₹1 Lakh Reward for Rape Suspect After City Protests

**Pune, Maharashtra, India –** A 26-year-old woman was raped at Pune’s Swargate bus depot on February 25th, sparking widespread outrage and protests. Students, political party workers, and activists demonstrated on Thursday, demanding justice and improved women’s safety.

Pune City Police have launched a massive manhunt for the suspect, Dattatray Ramdas Gade (37), offering a ₹1 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest. Thirteen police teams, a drone, and a dog squad are involved in the search, focusing on sugarcane fields where Gade is believed to be hiding. A wanted poster has been released.

Gade, a known history-sheeter with previous convictions for robbery and chain-snatching, was out on bail since 2019. The bus where the incident occurred is undergoing forensic analysis.

Criticism has been directed at the police for the delay in apprehending the suspect, with activists highlighting the incident as a failure in ensuring women’s safety. NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule cited a February 22nd letter from the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to police warning of anti-social activity at the bus depot, suggesting inaction by authorities.

In response to the incident, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered a security audit of all bus stations and depots statewide. Measures include removing privately parked buses, increasing female security guards, installing AI-powered CCTV systems in buses and stations, implementing GPS tracking, and issuing ID cards to all bus station employees. Mr. Sarnaik also called for filling the vacant Chief Security and Vigilance Officer position at MSRTC with an IPS officer.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the rape, calling for severe punishment for the perpetrator. The investigation is ongoing.

Read More