Pune Bus Stand Horror: 26-Year-Old Woman Raped Inside Parked Bus, Accused Still at Large

Pune: A shocking crime has shaken Pune as a 26-year-old woman was raped inside a parked bus at the busy Swargate Bus Stand—just 100 meters from a police station. The attack took place early Tuesday morning, between 5:45 AM and 6:30 AM, raising serious concerns about women’s safety in public spaces.

The accused, identified as Dattatraya Ramdas, a 36-year-old with a criminal record, remains absconding. Police have launched a massive manhunt, forming eight special teams and deploying a canine unit to track him down.

How the Crime Unfolded

According to police reports, the woman, a domestic worker traveling to Phaltan in Satara district, was misled by Ramdas, who approached her under the pretense of helping her find her bus. CCTV footage shows him addressing her as “didi” (sister) before convincing her to board the empty, unlit vehicle.

Despite her hesitation, the accused assured her that other passengers were sleeping, luring her inside before locking the doors and committing the heinous crime.

After the assault, the traumatized victim managed to board another bus where she informed a friend, who urged her to report the matter. The police acted immediately, accessing CCTV footage and launching an investigation into security lapses at the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC)-run Swargate Bus Stand.

Political Reactions and Public Outrage

The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with political leaders condemning the lack of security at one of Maharashtra’s busiest bus depots.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar called the crime “extremely unfortunate, distressing, and infuriating.” He assured swift action, stating, “The accused must receive the harshest punishment under the law. I have personally instructed the Pune Police Commissioner to ensure his immediate arrest.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also taken note of the incident, promising full support for the victim and strict action against the accused.

Opposition leaders, however, have lashed out at the state government over rising crimes against women. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal accused the BJP-led government of ignoring women’s safety while focusing on populist schemes.

NCP leader Supriya Sule slammed the security failure, stating, “This crime happened in an area where police patrols are routine. This shows that criminals no longer fear the law.”

The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction staged a protest at the Swargate Bus Stand, with leader Vasant More leading a demonstration against the government’s handling of crime in Pune. Protesters stormed the bus stand’s office, with visuals showing shattered windows amid public anger.