The rape of a young woman at Swargate Bus Depot has triggered widespread outrage across Maharashtra. The incident has raised serious concerns about women's safety in public transport. On Thursday, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam visited the depot to review security arrangements. However, social activist Trupti Desai and her supporters attempted to stop his convoy, leading to chaos. Police later detained Desai and other protesters.
Desai criticised the authorities for failing to arrest the accused while questioning the safety of women in Pune. She alleged that despite announcing a ₹1 lakh reward, police have been unable to capture the culprit. She accused the system of treating protesters more harshly than criminals and claimed that political pressure suppresses many such cases in the city.
She also raised concerns about the safety of female passengers in state transport buses. With 50% fare concessions for women, the number of female commuters has increased, but security measures remain inadequate, she said.
Desai further alleged that the police have been ineffective in tracking down the accused. She questioned whether the criminal had escaped or was being shielded, citing past instances where suspects were hidden in Pune. She drew parallels with the case of Walmiki Karad, who was allegedly protected by political influences.
She also attacked Kadam’s visit, demanding answers instead of assurances. “The minister has come here, but what does he have to say? Arrest the accused first. We have the right to protest in a democracy. We wanted to meet Yogesh Kadam and question him,” she said.