New Delhi: Following the Swargate bus station rape incident in Pune, the Mumbai Police have launched a major crackdown on criminals. The monthly action under ‘Operation All Out’ is crucial against the backdrop of horrific rape of a 26-year-old woman inside a bus at Pune’s busiest bus station.
Between February 28 at 11 pm to 2.30 pm on March 1, the police swooped down on 207 locations, including 14 premises connected to gambling and other illegal activities, a Free Press Journal report said.
The police took stringent action against thousands of suspects, including history-sheeters accused of crimes against women, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
As many as 12 fugitives were arrested and action was taken against 54 people under section 142 (violating externment orders) of the Mumbai Police Act, the report added. A total of 16 individuals were arrested for allegedly possessing illegal weapons. In all, 15 cases were filed for drug possession, and action was taken against 56 people for reportedly “engaging in suspicious activities”. The police issued non-bailable warrants to 46 suspects, while standing warrants were served to 25 accused.
The police also formed ‘nakabandi’ at 113 locations, inspecting 6,901 two-wheelers and cracking down on 1,891 drivers for flouting rules. In addition, as many as 70 individuals were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, the report said.
According to a police officer, ST and BEST bus depot managers have been contacted to improve lighting arrangements, boost security measures, and verify suspicious individuals loitering on the premises. Security arrangements have reportedly been beefed up at one of the city’s largest bus depots located in Shivaji Nagar, Govandi.
Pune rape accused to remain in police custody till March 12
Dattatray Gade, the 37-year-old suspect arrested for the rape of the woman at Swargate bus station, will be kept in police custody until March 12.
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said that following the arrest of the Pune rape accused, a thorough probe is underway to ensure justice. Pawar was quoted by ANI as saying: “Till day before yesterday, people were raising questions about why he was not arrested. He was hiding in a sugarcane farm. We used a drone to catch him. His situation was such that he tried to die by suicide. I am firm on the point that such incidents shall not happen anywhere.”
