Pune: Woman Journalist Alleges Harassment And Misconduct By Security Staff At Garware Metro Station; Seeks Inquiry And Action
Pune: Woman Journalist Alleges Harassment And Misconduct By Security Staff At Garware Metro Station; Seeks Inquiry And Action
Pune: A woman journalist has filed a complaint with Pune Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar, alleging harassment, gender insensitivity, and abuse of authority by security personnel at Garware Metro Station on November 26, 2025. The complainant, also cited a similar incident involving her husband in March 2025, claiming repeated misconduct by the same staff members.
According to the complaint, she was travelling to Pune Railway Station to board the Vande Bharat Express when a lady security guard at Garware Metro Station falsely accused her of carrying a “screwdriver” in her suitcase. Despite cooperating with the screening process, no such object was found. She alleges that the guard continued to level accusations and prevented her from proceeding, causing distress and delay.
She stated that her luggage was subjected to multiple checks—including one by a male guard—despite nothing suspicious being detected. She described the search as humiliating, claiming that personal items, including jewellery and sanitary products, were exposed publicly in violation of gender-sensitive norms. After reaching Pune Metro Station, she was allegedly subjected to further unnecessary inspection, causing additional delay.
The complaint also highlights a previous incident in March 2025 where her husband was allegedly threatened and harassed by the same staff. She claims the male security guard, identified as Mahesh Rupnure, threatened physical assault, refused to disclose his identity, and acted in an intimidating manner. Warde states that CCTV footage from both incidents can verify the events.
She has demanded an immediate and impartial inquiry, strict disciplinary action, enforcement of gender-sensitive security protocols, and a written assurance preventing recurrence. Failing satisfactory action, she has indicated plans to escalate the matter to higher authorities and women’s safety bodies.
Pune Metro is yet to issue an official response.
