Pune Bus Rape Accused Frequented Depots At Night To Find Victims, May Have Attempted Suicide Before Arrest
Pune Bus Rape Case: Police suspect accused Dattatray Ramdas Gade may have committed similar crimes in the past, frequently visiting bus stands at night in search of potential victims.
Pune Bus Rape Case: Dattatray Ramdas Gade, a 37-year-old history-sheeter, was arrested in a paddy field in Shirur tehsil after an extensive 70-hour manhunt involving drones and sniffer dogs, police said on Friday. Gade was wanted for allegedly raping a 26-year-old woman inside a parked bus at Swargate bus station in Pune in the early hours of Tuesday.
The police launched a large-scale search operation after Gade fled to his native place in Shirur. According to officials, a crucial lead came when he approached a house requesting food and water. The family informed the police, who resumed the search and ultimately found him hiding in a paddy field.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar revealed that a preliminary medical report showed a ligature mark on Gade’s neck, suggesting he may have attempted suicide. "We are waiting for the final report," Kumar told reporters, as per news agency PTI.
Investigations have revealed that Gade has a history of criminal activities, including theft, robbery, and chain-snatching in Pune and Ahilyanagar districts. He had been out on bail since 2019 in connection with one such case.
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Pune Rape Accused Frequented Bus Stands At Nigh To Find Potential Victims, Police Suspect
Additionally, police suspect he may have committed similar crimes in the past, frequently visiting bus stands in Shivajinagar, Shirur, and Swargate at night in search of potential victims, News 18 reported. A technical analysis of his mobile phone data over the past two months showed that he would stay at home during the day but travel to these bus stands at night, Kumar stated. Gade had also reportedly attempted to gain the trust of some women through conversations and by collecting their mobile numbers, as per News 18.
Kumar confirmed that Gade will be produced in court later in the day and that a special unit will be formed to investigate the case. "We will try to take the case to a fast-track court, and a special counsellor will be appointed," he said.
Meanwhile, a security and safety audit of the Swargate bus depot has been completed. "We have analysed security measures, bus doors, dark spots, and other factors. These findings will be discussed with the state transport department, and formal action will be taken soon," Kumar added, as quoted by PTI.
Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma also visited Gunat village during the search operation, coordinating efforts with 13 police teams. Officials expressed their gratitude to the residents of the village who provided crucial information that led to the arrest.
Gade was brought back to Pune by 2 am on Friday and sent for a medical examination before being formally arrested.
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