Pune: Gulabo Gang and Women’s Organizations Protest At Swargate Bus Depot Over Recent Rape Incident

Swargate, 1st March 2025: A protest was held today at the Swargate bus stand in Pune, condemning the recent rape incident in a Shivshahi bus depot. The incident has sparked outrage and reignited concerns over women’s safety. Women from various organizations and political parties, along with members of the Gulabo Gang, gathered to stage the demonstration and burn an effigy as a mark of protest.

The Payal Tiwari Bitiya Foundation and the Gulabo Gang led the protest, demanding strict action against those responsible for the crime and urging the government to take women’s safety seriously. Protesters emphasized that the state and city are witnessing a rise in crimes against women, and strong measures must be implemented to ensure their security.

During the protest, Gulabo Gang President Sangeeta Tiwari strongly criticized the government’s inaction, stating, “Women are not safe in this state. At the Swargate bus depot, old vehicles have been abandoned for years, and illegal businesses are operating in the area. Today, we are protesting for women’s safety and against the negligence of the ST Corporation. Women’s safety should be a priority, and we are demanding immediate action through this demonstration.”

Taking a direct swipe at Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam, Tiwari added, “This rape incident has shocked the entire city, yet the Minister seems completely insensitive. It appears that his brain is paralyzed when it comes to taking action on women’s safety. How can such an indifferent person hold the position of a minister?”

The protestors have called for swift and stringent measures to prevent such crimes in the future and to ensure safe public spaces for women.