Pune, February 27:
Pune city police have announced a ₹1 lakh reward for anyone providing information about 37-year-old history-sheeter Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, who is accused of sexually assaulting a woman inside a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at Swargate depot on February 25.
Authorities have also released a photograph of Gade, a resident of Gunat village in Shirur taluka, who has a criminal record involving robbery and theft cases registered by Pune Rural police. Informants can contact Senior Police Inspector Yuvraj Nandre (9881670659) or Police Sub-Inspector Punam Patil (8600444569), and their identities will remain confidential.
The police have intensified their search for Gade, who has been evading arrest for over 48 hours. Investigators are also looking into whether he has a history of sexual offenses.
According to police reports, the 26-year-old victim was waiting at Swargate bus depot for transport to her hometown in Satara district when the accused allegedly deceived her and led her into an empty Shivshahi bus, a semi-luxury MSRTC vehicle, around 5:30 am on February 25. The police noted that the air-conditioned bus had sealed windows, which prevented any visibility or escape.
The crime took place just 100 meters from Swargate police station, sparking outrage and protests from political groups and social organizations.
Swargate police have registered a case against Gade under sections 64 (rape) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation is ongoing.
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