Pune Bus Rape Case Exposes Major Security Lapses at Swargate Terminus

A Prakash tourist bus owned by MSRTC Shivsahi. The bus model is BV Maxima released in 2015
Prakash BV Maxima. Source; Hemant M. Bhatt

A 26-year-old health counsellor was allegedly raped in a parked Shivshahi bus at the Swargate bus terminus early on Tuesday morning, raising serious concerns about security at one of Pune’s busiest transport hubs.

The incident, which took place around 5:30 am, highlights poor security, unchecked access, and abandoned buses that have become hotspots for illegal activities.

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Crime at a Major Transport Hub

The Swargate bus terminus, located opposite the Swargate police station, sees a daily footfall of 60,000 passengers and facilitates 600 bus movements connecting cities across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa.

The survivor, a health counsellor from Aundh, reported the crime at 9:30 am, after which a medical examination was conducted and an FIR was registered in the evening. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Smartana Patil stated that the accused, who has a criminal record involving theft and robbery, was captured on CCTV footage leaving the bus with the survivor. Eight police teams have been deployed to track and arrest him.

Lack of Security and Unchecked Access

The incident has brought attention to the lack of security measures at the terminus. Commuters frequently report issues such as:

  • Scrapped and abandoned buses turning into hideouts for illegal activities.
  • Open access for private vehicles, including bikers using the terminus as a shortcut.
  • Unattended buses parked overnight without monitoring.
  • Lack of proper surveillance, despite 20 operational CCTVs at the depot.
  • Autorickshaws blocking entry and exit points, adding to the chaos.

Government’s Response and Need for Urgent Action

Following the incident, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik acknowledged that scrapped buses at depots have become hubs for illegal activities. He stated that these buses must be removed immediately to prevent further security risks.

This is not the first time the Swargate depot’s security measures have been questioned. In 2012, MSRTC had installed boom barriers at the entry and exit points and deployed additional security guards after a rogue driver caused a fatal accident, killing nine people. However, commuters believe that monitoring remains inadequate.

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Growing Safety Concerns Among Passengers

Despite being a key public transport hub, the Swargate bus terminus remains vulnerable to security threats. Passengers, particularly women, have expressed growing concerns over safety and lack of vigilance.

Authorities are now under pressure to strengthen security, ensure better monitoring, and clear out abandoned buses to prevent such incidents in the future.