Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday said the rape of a woman inside an MSRTC bus at Pune’s Swargate bus stand is shameful and painful. He called for the death penalty for the accused and assured that the state government will take all necessary steps to bring justice to the victim.
"The incident of rape of our sister at Pune’s Swargate bus stand is extremely shameful, painful, and infuriating for every member of a civilised society. The crime committed by the accused is unforgivable, and there can be no punishment except death penalty. I have personally instructed the Pune Police Commissioner to closely monitor the investigation and ensure immediate arrest of the accused," Ajit Pawar said as quoted by ANI.
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"CM Devendra Fadnavis has also taken the incident seriously and has given the necessary instructions to the police. The police will arrest the accused at the earliest and the state government will take all necessary steps to ensure that the accused is given the harshest punishment. This is my assurance to all the brothers, sisters, and mothers of Maharashtra. Instructions have also been given to the Minister of Women and Child Development and the Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission to provide justice, mental support, and all possible assistance to the victim," he added.
The 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a Shiv Shahi AC bus run by the Maharashtra State Regional Transport Corporation early on Tuesday. The accused reportedly misled the victim by telling her that her bus to Phaltan in Satara was parked near another platform. He then took her to an empty bus and assaulted her before fleeing.
Several opposition leaders have blamed the state government for rising crime and questioned Fadnavis over the incident. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More led a protest at Swargate bus stand on Wednesday. Protesters vandalized the security office and accused the government of failing to ensure women’s safety.