Opposition Slams Maharashtra Minister for Alleged Victim-Blaming in Swargate Rape Incident

Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, has found himself at the center of controversy after making contentious remarks about the rape case at the Swargate bus station in Pune. The accused was arrested by the Pune Police on Friday, after a 75 hour manhunt by 13 police teams.

“There was no struggle or use of force in the Swargate bus station incident. At the time, 10 to 15 people were present near the Shivshahi bus, but since the woman did not raise any objection, no one suspected anything. This allowed the accused to commit the crime," said Kadam.

Opposition leaders quickly seized on Kadam's remarks, accusing him of victim-blaming. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar took to social media, expressing his outrage. In a post on ‘X,’ he questioned the government’s stance. “What is the Mahayuti alliance’s connection with the accused in the Pune-Swargate rape case? Why is a minister from the ruling alliance blaming the victim instead of ensuring justice?” he said.

Wadettiwar further criticised Kadam’s statement, saying, “The accused is yet to be arrested, but is the Minister of State for Home already giving him a clean chit? A rape occurred, and the minister claims the victim did not object—does this mean he is holding her responsible? Ministers should think before making such statements.”