“No one will be spared”: Eknath Shinde vows strict action in Pune bus rape case

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde vowed strict action against the accused in the Pune bus rape case. He assured the public that authorities would arrest the suspect soon. Speaking to the media, Shinde called the incident unfortunate and condemnable. He said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar were closely monitoring the situation.

The crime took place early Tuesday inside a stationary Shivshahi bus at Pune’s Swargate depot. Police identified the accused as 36-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas Gade. Authorities have circulated his photo and deployed multiple teams to track him down.

The case triggered a political storm in Maharashtra. On Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) members protested at the Swargate depot, vandalizing a security post. Meanwhile, police registered an FIR and intensified efforts to arrest the suspect.

According to the victim, the accused approached her at the bus depot and offered help. She hesitated but entered the bus after he convinced her. He even called her ‘Didi’ (sister) to gain her trust. CCTV footage confirmed the woman walking toward the bus with him, Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil said.

After the assault, the victim left for her hometown without reporting the crime. A friend urged her to inform the police. She then got off within city limits and filed a complaint at a nearby station.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo-motu cognizance of the case on Wednesday. The commission asked the Maharashtra DGP to act swiftly. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik ordered an internal inquiry. He directed MSRTC Managing Director Vivek Bhimanwar to submit a report within seven days.

Police discovered the accused had prior theft and chain-snatching cases against him. Authorities continue searching for him, vowing to bring him to justice. Shinde reiterated that no one, regardless of status, would escape punishment.