Pune Bus Rape Case: Ajit Pawar Vows Action Over Vandalism, Sena UBT Leader Who Led Protest Says 'Not Afraid'
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar warned of strict action against those involved in damaging public property in response to the alleged rape of a woman inside a state transport bus in Pune.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar issued a strong warning on Saturday against those involved in damaging public property in response to the alleged rape of a woman inside a state transport bus in Pune. The 26-year-old victim was reportedly raped inside a stationary Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at the Swargate bus stand in the early hours of Tuesday.
A day later, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More and his party workers vandalised the security cabin at the Swargate bus depot in protest against the incident, according to a report by news agency PTI.
Addressing reporters, Pawar stated that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the damage. "Let the probe get over and let the facts come to the fore. After that, action will be taken against those who vandalised public property. They will not be spared. Does anyone damage his own house's window panes if an accused is not arrested?" he asked.
"Even the court had made it clear in the past that if anyone resorts to vandalism of public property, then damages should be recovered from these party workers or the party," he said.
Pawar said that it is natural to get angry after such incidents, but there are more ways to express that anger. "We will take action against all these people who resort to such things out of over-excitement," he said.
Sena (UBT) Leader Vasant More Criticises Deputy CM
Reacting to Ajit Pawar’s remarks, Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More criticised the deputy CM, stating that if he was so concerned about broken window panes, he should also focus on the dignity and justice of the victim who endured such a traumatic incident.
More further pointed out that following the incident, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik took action by suspending 23 state transport employees. He challenged the authorities, saying, "If cases need to be filed against party workers for expressing their outrage, then do so. I am not afraid of facing legal action."
"Pawar should also speak and take action against the rising incidents of vehicle damage by anti-social elements, the unchecked reign of 'koyta'-wielding gangs, and murders taking place in broad daylight," he added.
Meanwhile, police have arrested the suspect in the Swargate rape case, Dattatray Ramdas Gade (37), who had been on the run since Tuesday morning. He was apprehended around Thursday midnight near his native village Gunat in Shirur tehsil, Pune district. On Friday, a court remanded him in police custody until March 12.
Authorities tracked Gade down in an agricultural field filled with crops following an extensive manhunt involving drones, sniffer dogs, 13 police teams, and human intelligence.
ALSO READ | 'She Could've Shouted': Pune Bus Rape Accused's Lawyer Claims 'Nothing Was Done Forcefully'
Top Headlines
