Pune: Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam Visits Swargate, Faces Protesters’ Anger; Social Activist Trupti Desai Detained
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 27th February 2025: Following the Shivshahi Bus Rape Incident at Swargate Bus Depot in Pune, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Urban) and Dapoli MLA Yogesh Kadam visited the site to review security measures. En route, his convoy was halted by social activist Trupti Desai and her supporters, leading to their detention by Pune Police and causing further uproar in the city.
The incident, which occurred on 25th February, involved a woman being raped in a Shivshahi bus at the depot. The accused, Dattatraya Gade, a known history-sheeter, is currently absconding, with a search operation underway. This event has exposed security lapses at the Swargate Bus Depot and reignited discussions about longstanding theft issues in the area.
Trupti Desai criticized the authorities, questioning the effectiveness of the police system in apprehending the accused despite a Rs 1 lakh reward. She alleged that many such cases in Pune are suppressed due to political pressure and drew parallels with the Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case. Desai expressed her intention to question Minister Kadam about the current situation and the purpose of his visit to the incident site.
The activist demanded capital punishment for the rapist and condemned the government’s failure to ensure women’s safety. She also voiced concerns about the differential treatment of protesters and accused individuals by the justice system, highlighting the need for improved security measures and more effective law enforcement in Pune.
