The advocate representing 37-year-old Dattatray Gade, the accused arrested in the Swargate rape case, has filed an application before Pune’s Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) requesting a personal mulakat with the accused. The application states that Gade is experiencing discomfort in discussing the case with his advocate in the current setup.
The two-page application, filed by Advocate Wajed Khan—a copy of which is with GPlus—states that the accused finds it difficult to communicate as his photo has been widely circulated across various media platforms, leading to great embarrassment when speaking to his advocate in public.
Speaking to GPlus, Advocate Khan said, “I am appearing as a defense advocate for Gade, and it is essential for me to discuss case details—whether for applying for bail or any other legal matters. Initially, when I approached Gade in prison, he refused to discuss the case. I realized that he was uncomfortable speaking freely, as communication was happening through a phone and across a glass partition. It is crucial for an advocate to first make their client comfortable so we can fully understand the case, which is why I have requested the court for a face-to-face mulakat.”
Advocate Khan further stated that Gade feels deeply embarrassed as his photos have been widely circulated, making him easily recognizable among other inmates and the police. “This is a highly sensitive case, and the details I need from the accused are equally sensitive. A face-to-face meeting in jail would be more appropriate for both of us to discuss the case in detail.”
The court has heard the matter and has scheduled its order for March 24.
According to police reports, the victim, a 26-year-old woman, was waiting for a bus to Phaltan at the Swargate bus station around 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday. The accused, identified as 36-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, approached her, falsely claiming that the bus for Satara was at a different platform. He then led her to an empty Shiv Shahi AC bus parked elsewhere at the station. Initially hesitant to board the unlit vehicle, the woman was convinced by the accused that it was the right bus. Once inside, Gade followed her in, allegedly assaulted and raped her before fleeing the scene.
