Mumbai: A Mumbai-based lawyer, Ashish Rai, has filed a petition before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday, urging the commission to intervene in the alleged Pune rape case. Rai has highlighted concerns over women’s safety and requested an independent investigation to ensure that no mischief occurs in the probe.

The petition also calls upon NHRC to seek detailed information about the case from the Chief Officer of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), as the alleged crime took place on an MSRTC bus.

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.

In his plea, Rai stressed the importance of NHRC’s involvement to ensure a transparent and unbiased investigation. Authorities continue their investigation, and NHRC is expected to review the petition before deciding on further action.