Swargate Bus Depot Rape Case: Gunat Village Sarpanch Rejects Rs 1 Lakh Reward Announced by Pune Police

Shirur, 3rd March 2025: In a surprising turn of events following the arrest of Dattatray Ramdas Gade, the accused in the Pune Swargate Bus Depot Rape Case, the village of Gunat has decided to reject the Rs 1 lakh reward offered by the police. Sarpanch Ramdas Kakade announced that the village would not accept any part of the bounty, despite claims from multiple residents about their involvement in the suspect’s capture.

The controversy erupted two days after Gade’s arrest in his native village of Gunat, located about 75 kilometers from Pune and 20 kilometers from Shirur. Gade had been hiding in a sugarcane field when he was caught, ending a 70-hour manhunt. The police had initially announced a Rs 1 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest.

Sarpanch Kakade explained that the decision to refuse the reward came after numerous villagers began claiming credit for Gade’s capture, causing confusion and potential conflict within the community. “We will hold a gram panchayat meeting to officially declare that we don’t want a single rupee from this reward,” Kakade stated, adding that the incident had brought unwanted notoriety to the village.

The sarpanch detailed how villagers assisted the police operation, providing crucial information about Gade’s movements that ultimately led to his discovery using drone technology. However, Kakade emphasized that this cooperation was not motivated by the reward but by a desire to clear the village’s name.

Meanwhile, the case has sparked broader discussions about media ethics and the impact on the accused’s family. An unnamed villager expressed concern over the constant media presence, stating, “His wife, mother, son, and grandmother live here. The media is harassing them for comments, but no one sees their pain.”

Regarding the case, Pune Police have confirmed that Gade has a criminal record with six previous cases against him. His lawyers argued in court that the sexual encounter was consensual, while his brother, Shubham Gade, has asserted his innocence. As the case progresses, with Gade remanded in custody until 12th March, the village of Gunat grapples with the fallout of being thrust into the spotlight, prioritizing its reputation over financial gain.