Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 26 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday condemned the rape of a 26-year-old woman at Pune's Swargate bus depot, calling the incident shameful, painful, and infuriating.
Addressing the matter, Pawar stated that he had personally directed the Pune Police Commissioner to closely monitor the investigation and ensure the immediate arrest of the accused.
"The incident of rape of our sister at Pune's Swargate bus stand is extremely shameful, painful, and infuriating for every member of a civilised society. The crime committed by the accused is unforgivable, and there can be no punishment except the death penalty. I have personally instructed the Pune Police Commissioner to closely monitor the investigation and ensure immediate arrest of the accused," he said.
Pawar further mentioned that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also taken the matter seriously and had issued necessary directives to the police to act swiftly.
"CM Devendra Fadnavis has also taken the incident seriously and has given the necessary instructions to the police. The police will arrest the accused at the earliest and the state government will take all necessary steps to ensure that the accused is given the harshest punishment. This is my assurance to all the brothers, sisters, and mothers of Maharashtra," said Pawar.
Instructions have also been given to the Minister of Women and Child Development and the Chairperson of the State Women's Commission to provide justice, mental support, and all possible assistance to the victim."
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More along with other party leaders, held a protest at the Swargate bus stand where the incident happened
Apart from this, National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of a distressing incident in which a 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a Shivshahi bus at Pune's Swargate depot, said NCD in a statement.
In response, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Director General of Police, Mumbai, seeking immediate action in the case.
Condemning the crime in the strongest terms, the Commission highlighted the grave concerns over public safety, particularly as reports indicate that the accused remains absconding.
In her letter, the NCW Chairperson has urged the police to take urgent measures like "Conduct a fair and time-bound investigation, ensuring no delays or negligence, provide medical aid, psychological counselling, and security to support the survivor's well-being, Expedite the arrest of the accused and initiate strict legal proceedings under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Submit an action-taken report and a copy of the FIR to the Commission within three days."
The NCW will closely monitor the case and take further action as necessary.