Pune: Over 100 Cops, Drones, and Dog Squads Deployed in Gunat to Nab Swargate Rape Accused
Shirur, 27th February 2025: Pune Police conducted an extensive search operation in Gunat village today, deploying over 100 personnel from 10 teams, along with dog squads and three drones, to apprehend Dattatraya Gade, the suspect in the Shivshahi Bus Rape Case in Pune’s Swargate Bus Depot. The search, which began early morning and lasted until evening, covered sugarcane fields and other areas along the Gunat-Nirvi road.
Senior Police Officials, including Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nikhil Pingle, were present at the scene to oversee the operation. Despite the massive effort, which involved local residents assisting the police, Gade remains at large.
The suspect, who comes from a modest background with parents working as farmers, has a criminal record including theft charges. The discovery of photographs showing Gade with political figures has stirred controversy in Shirur’s political circles.
Shirur MLA Dnyaneshwar Katke has demanded that the case be tried in a fast-track court and called for the death penalty for Gade. Former MLA Ashok Pawar echoed these sentiments, urging swift arrest and execution of the accused. Pawar also requested an investigation into who might have assisted Gade during his recent pilgrimage to Ujjain.
The 26-year-old victim was raped inside a parked Shivshahi bus at Pune’s Swargate bus depot early morning on 25th February. The incident has sparked outrage and led to increased pressure on law enforcement to capture the suspect.
