“Shivshahi Bus Rape Case Transferred to Crime Branch as Public Demands Swift Justice and Enhanced Safety Measures”

The disturbing incident occurred in the early hours of March 4, 2025, when a 28-year-old woman boarded a Shivshahi bus at Pune station, traveling to Mumbai. The victim was traveling alone after a long day at work. She found a seat and settled in for the long journey ahead. However, her journey took a horrifying turn when a man sitting next to her allegedly attacked her. The accused is said to have overpowered the victim during a stretch of the bus journey and assaulted her sexually. Once the assault was complete, the perpetrator allegedly fled the scene as the bus made a scheduled stop at a rest area.

The victim, in a state of shock, managed to alert the bus staff, who then called the police. Upon arrival, the authorities quickly took the woman to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals confirmed the assault.
News of the rape spread rapidly, sparking widespread anger and protests from citizens, especially women’s rights groups. Many have expressed their dismay at the safety conditions on the Shivshahi buses, which are known for their long-distance routes across Maharashtra. The attack on a woman during what was supposed to be a safe journey raised questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures on public transport.

Women’s rights organizations have condemned the incident, calling for immediate reforms to improve safety. “This is a gross violation of safety, and it is shocking that an attack like this could happen on a Shivshahi bus, which many women trust for long-distance travel,” said a spokesperson from a prominent women’s group.

Local leaders, activists, and members of the public have been vocal in demanding justice for the victim. Pune’s residents have expressed their disbelief and frustration over the lack of adequate protective measures for women traveling alone at night.
Due to the gravity of the situation and the public outcry, the Pune police handed over the case to the Pune Crime Branch, a specialized unit that deals with serious crimes. The decision was made to expedite the investigation and ensure that the accused is caught as quickly as possible.

The Crime Branch is now working to gather evidence, review CCTV footage from the bus, and identify the suspect. They are also collaborating with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to gather any additional data, such as the exact stops made by the bus during its journey. According to sources, the Crime Branch is also investigating the bus staff’s response to the incident, which has been criticized for not acting quickly enough to alert authorities.
The case is expected to push for stronger security protocols on public transport systems across Maharashtra and India. Women’s safety in transit should not be an afterthought, but a priority. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a reminder that much more needs to be done to safeguard passengers, particularly women, who remain vulnerable while traveling at night.

In the coming weeks, the focus will be on ensuring that the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice and that steps are taken to enhance safety on public transportation in the region.