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

“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.

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.