Pune Bus Rape Accused Called Survivor ‘Didi’ Before Assault, Police Inform Court

Dattatray Ramdas Gade, the accused in the Pune bus rape case, addressed the 26-year-old survivor as ‘didi’ (sister) before luring her into an empty ‘Shiv Shahi’ bus at the Swargate depot, where he allegedly raped her, police told the court on Friday.

According to a PTI report, the 37-year-old accused has a history of criminal offenses, with at least six cases registered against him in Pune and Ahilyanagar districts. CCTV footage from the Swargate bus terminal on the day of the incident reportedly captured his presence at the scene.

Police further stated that data from the mobile phone used by Gade is yet to be retrieved. Among the multiple cases registered against him, five involve complaints from women, highlighting his pattern of offenses.

Extensive Manhunt Leads to Arrest

On Friday, a Pune court remanded Gade to police custody until March 12. His arrest followed an extensive search operation involving 13 police teams, drones, and sniffer dogs. Despite the use of technology, intelligence gathered from local sources ultimately led to his capture in a paddy field in Shirur tehsil late Thursday night.

He was formally arrested and produced before the Pune Sessions Court under heavy security. The police, in their remand plea, sought 14 days of custody, citing his criminal background and the severity of the charges.

Failed Suicide Attempt

Fearful of police action, Gade allegedly attempted suicide by hanging himself from a dry tree in a field. However, the rope snapped, and his attempt failed.

“Preliminary medical reports indicate a ligature mark on the accused, suggesting he tried to take his own life. We are awaiting the final report,” Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar told PTI.

Authorities also revealed that the search operation, initially concentrated in sugarcane fields with drones and dog squads, was halted overnight. However, a breakthrough came when a local family reported that Gade had stopped by their house asking for food and water. By the time police reached the location, he had fled, but the tip-off played a crucial role in his eventual capture.

Defense Claims ‘Consensual’ Act

During the court hearing, Gade’s lawyer, advocate Wajid Khan, argued that his client was being subjected to a “media trial” and claimed the complainant had voluntarily entered the bus.

“A physical relationship was established with mutual consent,” Khan told the court, according to PTI.

The case has sparked widespread public outrage, with authorities facing increased scrutiny over security measures at public transport hubs and the accused’s prior criminal record.