Pune Bus Assault: Minister Launches Security Review
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Synopsis
Amid the uproar from a recent bus assault, Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has convened a meeting to enhance security at bus depots. Following the suspension of security guards, the Minister is focusing on accountability and modernizing security measures across the state's transport system.
Key Takeaways
- High-level meeting initiated by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
- Assessment of security measures at MSRTC depots.
- Suspension of 23 security guards at Swargate depot.
- Call for modern technology to enhance security.
- Departmental inquiry into lapses in security protocols.
Mumbai, Feb 27 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing uproar regarding the assault of a 26-year-old woman on a bus at the Swargate depot in Pune, Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has organized a high-level meeting on Thursday at Mantralaya with officials from the department and the state-run MSRTC to assess and enhance security measures at bus depots.
The Minister is leading this meeting following the suspension of 23 security guards from the Swargate depot, who have been replaced under the directives of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Sarnaik stated to IANS, "The incident from yesterday is absolutely unacceptable. This meeting will evaluate the current security protocols at Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) depots statewide and outline necessary improvements. It's been noted that several depots are housing scrapped buses, alongside those seized by the state regional transport office, which local criminals exploit. To prevent similar incidents in the future, these buses must be removed from the depots.”
He further highlighted the need for the incorporation of modern technology to bolster security at bus depots. “It is quite alarming that buses, whether operational or parked, lack adequate locking systems. This stands in stark contrast to private buses, which are equipped with alarms and locking systems to deter unauthorized access. A similar setup should be adopted for MSRTC buses across all depots. Additionally, such systems must also be implemented for buses sidelined due to technical faults. The enhancement of security measures within buses and at depots will be thoroughly discussed in today’s meeting and executed in due course,” Sarnaik elaborated.
He acknowledged that accountability must be established for security failures and the enhancement of safety protocols. Sarnaik confirmed that he has already initiated a departmental inquiry led by senior officials regarding the performance of the assistant transport superintendent and the Swargate depot manager. Should any security lapses be discovered, they will face immediate suspension.
The Minister has directed Vivek Bhimanwar, the acting MSRTC vice chairman and managing director, to promptly commence an inquiry. According to Sarnaik, his department places a premium on women's safety. He mentioned that under the Manila Sanman Yojana, women benefit from a 50% discount on MSRTC bus fares, which has significantly increased the number of female passengers.
Previously, Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar instructed the Pune Police Commissioner to personally oversee the investigation and ensure the immediate capture of the suspect, Dattatray Gade. “The assault on our sister at Pune’s Swargate bus terminal is profoundly shameful, painful, and outrageous for every member of a civilized society. The crime perpetrated by the suspect is inexcusable, and the only fitting punishment is the death penalty. CM Devendra Fadnavis has also taken a serious stance on the incident and provided the necessary directives to law enforcement.”
