A massive manhunt is underway for a man with a criminal record who allegedly raped a 26-year-old woman inside a stationary state transport bus at Pune’s busy Swargate bus stand, police said on Wednesday.
The accused, identified as Datta Gade, has prior cases of theft and chain snatching registered against him, according to an official from the Swargate police station.
Swargate is one of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation’s (MSRTC) largest and busiest bus terminals.
According to the victim’s statement, she was waiting for a bus to Paithan at one of the platforms around 5:30 am on Tuesday when the accused approached her, claiming that the bus had arrived at another platform.
He then led her to an empty bus parked in a deserted area of the station. As it was still dark, she boarded the bus, unaware of his intentions. The man followed her inside, assaulted, and raped her before fleeing the scene.
Based on CCTV footage, police have identified the suspect and formed multiple teams to track him down.