A shocking revelation has emerged in the Pune bus rape case, as police informed the court that the accused, Dattatray Ramdas Gade, addressed the 26-year-old survivor as ‘didi’ (sister) before luring her into an abandoned Shiv Shahi bus at the Swargate depot, where he allegedly raped her.

Accused Has Multiple Criminal Cases

According to police, the 37-year-old accused already has six criminal cases registered against him in Pune and Ahilyanagar districts, with five involving women as complainants. CCTV footage from the bus terminus on the day of the incident reportedly captured his movements. Investigators are still retrieving data from the mobile phone he was using.

Dramatic Arrest After Extensive Search Operation

Following an intense manhunt, Gade was tracked down to a paddy field in Shirur tehsil late Thursday night. The operation, which involved drones, sniffer dogs, and 13 police teams, eventually led to his capture. However, officials revealed that human intelligence played a crucial role in locating him.

The accused, fearing arrest, attempted suicide by hanging himself from a dry tree. However, his rope snapped, foiling the attempt. A medical examination later confirmed a ligature mark on his neck, and authorities are awaiting a final report.

On Friday, the Pune Sessions Court sent Gade to police custody until March 12, after law enforcement sought a 14-day remand to further investigate the case.

Defense Claims ‘Mutual Consent’

In court, defense lawyer Wajid Khan argued that his client was being subjected to a media trial and alleged that the complainant entered the bus voluntarily. He further claimed that the sexual encounter was consensual.

The case has triggered widespread outrage, with demands for swift justice. Investigators continue to gather evidence as legal proceedings move forward.