Pune: Woman accuses two PMC employees of molestation

In a shocking incident, a woman has accused two employees of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) of harassing her sexually. The victim was forced to engage in sexual intercourse and was frequently the target of inappropriate remarks and comments.

The victim, a 35-year-old woman, has reported the incident to the police at Sahakarnagar, where a molestation case has been filed. The incident is dated from April 19 to April 24, 2024, and it allegedly took place at a health centre in Padmavati.

The accused are identified as Rohidas Funde (age approximately 50, resident of Chavannagar), and Dinesh Sonawane (age 40). A case has been registered against them under IPC 354, 354 (a), 354 (d), 34. 

As per the information, the victim woman is employed by the PMC as a sanitation worker. Funde, one of the co-accused, is a supervisor, and Sonawane, the other accused, is a sanitary inspector. The victim is employed at a health centre in Padmavati, according to the complaint. For some reason, the victim had brought on a replacement employee. Funde objected to this saying, “You have hired a replacement to do your cleaning work.” He approached the victim alone and said, “Why should the worker who was replaced get paid? Go to the hotel instead. Get your salary by pleasing your supervisor.” 

She was even subjected to obscene comments about her body parts and posture. Then, Funde dialled the number of Sonawane on his phone and handed it over to the victim forcefully. Sonawane then questioned the victim, “Come on, when are you coming to the hotel?” Obscene comments and gestures were made to the victim. Reports of inappropriate touch and talks were also held with the victim.

In response, Rajesh Gurram, Assistant Commissioner of the PMC’s Dhankawadi-Sahakar Nagar Ward Office, stated that the PMC will work with the relevant departments to take the necessary actions against the culprits.