Pune Bus Rape Case: Key Security Position at MSRTC Left Unfilled for Nearly Three Years, Official Reveals
Pune bus rape case: Official claims a single officer is managing three roles at MSRTC in Pune.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
Amid public outrage over the alleged rape of a 26-year-old woman inside a parked Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus in Pune, an official revealed that the organization has been without a Chief Security and Vigilance Officer (CSVO) for nearly three years.
The position has remained vacant since the retirement of CSVO M.K. Bhosale, a DIG-rank officer, on June 30, 2022. Initially designated as an IG-rank post, it was later downgraded to DIG for Bhosale. Since his retirement, MSRTC has not appointed a replacement. The role of Chief Security Officer dates back to 1949 before being rebranded as Chief Security and Vigilance Officer, an official told PTI.
Currently, Nandkumar Kolarkar, General Manager of Mechanical Engineering, is overseeing the CSVO position as an additional responsibility. The official emphasised that, due to its significance, the post was previously held by senior Indian Police Service officers.
Kolarkar is also responsible for the General Manager (Stores and Purchases) role, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest. “One officer is handling three roles at once. Given the extensive security and vigilance requirements at MSRTC, the position should be held by an IG-rank officer,” the official stated.
Additionally, the official pointed out that MSRTC’s fleet size has declined from 18,500 buses to 15,000 in recent years. He alleged that no new buses were purchased in the last five years but mentioned that 2,500 new buses have now been procured, with 300 already in daily operations.
Former IAS officer Mahesh Zagade criticised the transporter for being caught in a “bureaucratic blind spot” regarding the rape case, suggesting that security concerns at MSRTC had been neglected.
Meanwhile, the accused, Dattatray Ramdas Gade (37), a resident of Gunat village in Pune district, remains on the run. Authorities have launched a search operation using drones and a dog squad to locate him. A cash reward of ₹1 lakh has also been announced for anyone providing credible information about his whereabouts.
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- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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