Swargate Shivshahi Bus Rape Case: Accused Dattatraya Gade Remanded in Police Custody Till 12 March
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande & Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 28 February 2025: Dattatraya Gade, the prime accused in the Swargate Shivshahi bus rape case, was produced before the Pune District Court in Shivajinagar on Wednesday under heavy police security.
Gade is accused of raping a 26-year-old woman in the early hours of 25 February. Following an intensive manhunt, he was arrested around 1 AM on Wednesday. After nearly 15 hours of interrogation, Pune Police presented him in court for further legal proceedings.
The accused was produced before Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) T.S. Gaygole. The public prosecutor sought a 14-day police custody remand, citing the seriousness of the crime and the accused’s past criminal record.
“Out of the six crimes registered against the accused, five involve female victims, clearly reflecting his attitude towards women. This crime has deeply impacted society, making it a grave offence. Since the accused has a prior criminal record, it is crucial to investigate whether he has previously targeted other women under false pretences. Additionally, it is necessary to determine if he had any accomplices. So far, CCTV footage, clothes worn during the crime, and some other evidence have been seized. A 14-day police custody is essential for a thorough investigation,” argued the prosecutor.
The prosecution also presented details of Gade’s previous offenses before the court.
The defence lawyer argued that there was no rape. “The physical relation was consensual.”
After hearing the arguments, the court remanded the accused to police custody until 12 March.
