Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud likens a Pune gang rape case to Nirbhaya, stressing societal and law enforcement responsibilities alongside legal reforms, as authorities seek the accused while pursuing justice for the victim.
NEW DELHI: Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has compared the alleged rape case at MSPICI Swargate depot in Pune to the infamous Nirbhaya case, emphasizing that while laws have changed, legislation alone cannot prevent such crimes. He stressed the crucial role of society and law enforcement in ensuring women’s safety.
The former CJI highlighted that despite major legal reforms after the Nirbhaya case, crimes against women continue to persist.
“A lot of changes were made in the laws following the ‘Nirbhaya’ incident, however, we cannot prevent such incidents by only having laws. There is a great responsibility for society, and apart from this, the implementation of laws should be there. Laws made for women should be implemented properly,”
he stated.
A 26-year-old woman was reportedly sexually assaulted inside a stationary bus at Pune’s Swargate bus depot during the early hours of February 25. The victim, who was waiting to catch a bus to Phaltan, was misled by the accused, identified as Dattatray Ramdas Gade.
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The accused lured the victim by falsely claiming that her bus was parked elsewhere and led her to an unoccupied Shivshahi bus inside the depot. Once inside, he followed her and allegedly committed the assault before fleeing the scene.
Amid mounting pressure, Pune police have launched a large-scale manhunt to capture the accused. Thirteen police teams—including eight from the Crime Branch and five from Swargate Police Station—have been formed to track him down. Teams have also been sent outside the district to gather leads.
Authorities have also released a wanted poster of Dattatray Ramdas Gade, urging the public to share any information.
The poster details include:
- A case has been registered under Section 64, 351(2) of 2023.
- The accused, Dattatray Ramdas Gade, aged 37, is a resident of Gunat T. Shirur, District Pune.
- A reward of Rs 1,00,000 will be given for credible information leading to his arrest.
- The identity of informants will be kept confidential.
Chandrachud also emphasized the importance of swift justice and strict action in such cases.
“Women should feel safe wherever they go. It is important that in such cases, there should be proper investigation, strong action, quick trial, and punishment. The legal system and the police have a big responsibility,”
he asserted.
As the investigation intensifies, the nation watches closely, awaiting justice for the victim and stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
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