Swargate Rape Case: Pune Police Files 893-Page Chargesheet Against Accused Dattatray Gade In 52 Days
Pune, 18th April 2025: Pune Police’s Crime Branch has filed an 893-page chargesheet in the Swargate rape case against accused Dattatray Ramdas Gade, submitting it before Judicial Magistrate First Class VA Makandar on Thursday (17th April). The chargesheet was filed within 52 days of the incident and includes testimonies from 82 witnesses, with depositions from five already recorded in court.
The case, which drew widespread public outrage, involves the alleged rape of a young woman inside a Shivshahi bus parked at the Swargate depot in the early hours of February 25. Gade, a 37-year-old resident of Gunat in Shirur, is accused of raping the victim twice inside the vehicle.
The chargesheet presents strong evidence against Gade, including data from 12 key panchanamas. These consist of a Google search history analysis, comparative sound intensity verification, a test identification parade, CCTV footage, and multiple witness statements.
Charges were filed under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for rape (Section 64), repeated rape (Section 64(2)(m)), intimidation (Section 351(2)), causing intentional harm (Section 115(2)), and wrongful confinement (Section 127(2)) at Swargate Police Station.
Following the incident, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar transferred the investigation to the Crime Branch. Gade had fled to a farm in his native village of Gunat, where he was captured by Pune Police using drone surveillance, a canine unit, and help from local residents.
He was initially remanded to 12 days of police custody and is currently lodged in Yerawada Central Jail under judicial custody. The investigation team, led by officer Shailesh Sankhe, compiled a comprehensive array of physical, biological, medical, technical, circumstantial, and scientific evidence. The chargesheet was filed through government prosecutor Bhagyashree Dagale-Sancheti.
