Amid uproar in Pune over the rape of a 26-year-old woman inside a stationary state transport bus at the busy Swargate station, former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Thursday stated that it is important to have "well-lit and secure public spaces".
“I am told that the incident happened at the Swargate bus stand, and yes, it was in close proximity to the police station. However, I believe that while the primary responsibility lies with the police and law enforcement agencies, the overall responsibility extends to all institutions and authorities in charge of public spaces. This is not just a matter of law and order, but also about creating public spaces that are safe for women," Chandrachud said.
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"It is important to have well-lit and secure spaces where the fundamental principles of safety and security are upheld—whether in workplaces, transportation hubs, hospitals, educational institutions or hostels where women reside. We must make efforts at different levels of society to ensure that such incidents do not occur," he added.
He also noted that proper investigation, strong action, quick trial and punishment are needed in such cases. "The legal system and the police have a big responsibility," he further said.
What is the Swargate bus rape case?
According to the police, a 26-year-old woman was waiting for a bus to Phaltan at one of the platforms at the Swargate bus station around 5.45am on Tuesday. Accused Dattatraya Ramdas Gade (36) approached her and said the bus for Satara had arrived at another platform. He took her to an empty Shiv Shahi AC bus parked elsewhere on the station premises. As the lights inside the bus were not on, she hesitated to get in at first, but the man convinced her that it was the right vehicle. He then followed her inside and raped her before fleeing.
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