Pune: 23 Security Guards Suspended Following Rape Incident At Swargate Bus Stand
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 26th February 2025: The rape of a 26-year-old woman at Swargate bus stand has sparked outrage across Maharashtra, prompting Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik to take immediate action. In response to the shocking incident, the minister has ordered a departmental inquiry into the negligence of bus stand authorities and suspended 23 security guards deployed at the bus stand.
The horrific crime took place on a Shivshahi ST bus parked at the Swargate depot at around 5:30 AM on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Dattatray Gade, allegedly misled the victim by telling her that a Solapur-bound bus was heading towards Phaltan. Once she boarded, he locked the doors and assaulted her. The victim later confided in her friend, leading to the police complaint.
Taking serious note of the incident, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered a thorough departmental inquiry into the Swargate Depot Manager and the Assistant Traffic Superintendent to determine their failure in ensuring passenger safety. He has directed that if found guilty, they should be suspended immediately.
In addition, the minister has:
- Ordered the immediate suspension of 23 security guards stationed at Swargate Depot.
- Directed the appointment of new security personnel at the bus stand starting Wednesday.
- Called for a high-level meeting with senior ST Corporation officials to discuss measures to enhance women’s safety at bus stations.
- Mandated a detailed report from ST Corporation Vice Chairman and Managing Director Vivek Bhimanwar within the next seven days.
With the “Mahila Samman Yojana” offering a 50% travel fare discount for women, there has been a significant rise in the number of female passengers using state transport. However, the Swargate bus stand rape case has raised serious concerns over women’s safety, especially at night.
The immediate suspension of security personnel and the minister’s strict directives highlight the urgency of addressing passenger security at Pune’s busiest bus stand.
Meanwhile, the hunt for accused Dattatray Gade is ongoing, with police intensifying their efforts to apprehend him. The accused reportedly threatened to kill the victim if she disclosed the assault. The case has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, with public outrage mounting over the lack of security at transport hubs.
As Pune grapples with the aftermath of this crime, all eyes are now on the state government’s next move to ensure women’s safety in public spaces.
