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Pune rape case: Uddhav Thackeray praises party workers for strong protest, Sule urges Devendra Fadnavis to review city’s law and order

Ajit Pawar said Chief Minister Fadanavis has been closely monitoring the investigation into the Pune rape case. He said the accused will be arrested soon.

Shiv Sena UBT workers protest at Pune's Swargate bus stand after a woman was raped in a state-run bus, uddhav, protests, devendra fadnavis

Shiv Sena UBT workers protest at Pune's Swargate bus stand after a woman was raped in a state-run bus. (Source: Screengrab/X/PTI)

Opposition parties in Maharashtra Thursday stepped up their attack on the Mahayuti government over the rape of a woman inside a state-run bus parked at a bus stand in Pune with protests as they criticised authorities over the law and order situation in the city.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray praised his party workers led by Vasant More for ransacking the office of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation at the Pune bus stand.

“You did good. The incident is beyond words to talk about. We are fighting against whatever is happening. It is very painful to see what is happening in the state. The situation of Mumbai. There is no fear of police left. Convey my thanks to everyone else who protested and continue to be vigilant,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief told More over a phone call.

On Wednesday, More and other Shiv Sena (UBT) party workers ransacked the MSRTC office at the Pune bus stand.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, “It is my appeal to the state home minister that you use the home ministry for political use and harassing the leaders of Opposition parties so do a favour and use the same for the safety and security of women in the state.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis holds the home portfolio.

NCP(SP) executive president Supriya Sule took a dig at the law and order situation of the city. “It is very sad if the police have failed to take note of the serious safety-related issue raised by the manager of the Swargate depot due to private agents and other miscreants. I urge the state home minister to review the law and order situation in Pune and take steps for ensuring safety of women and security at public places like Bus depots,” she said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian minister Ajit Pawar said the rape incident was “very disturbing”. “The accused should get the death penalty and I have given instructions to police on handling the situation efficiently,” said Pawar.

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He said Chief Minister Fadanavis has been closely monitoring the investigation into the rape incident, and added the accused will be arrested soon.

Earlier, the NCP(SP) held protests against the Mahayuti for failing to maintain the law and order situation in the city and the safety of women. Trupti Desai of the Bhumata Brigade also staged a demonstration at Swargate and tried to block the vehicle carrying Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam who visited the bus stand to review the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Pune police have announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, the man accused of raping the woman on February 25. The police also released the photograph of Gade, who has been on the run for over 48 hours.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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