The Pune Police have booked Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Kondhare after a serious allegation by a woman police inspector for touching her inappropriately.
The incident took place during Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s visit to Pune on Monday when Kondhare, city general secretary of the BJP, allegedly molested the police personnel near Shaniwar Wada.
According to information, a large crowd had gathered near Shaniwar Wada to welcome Gadkari. During crowd control, Kondhare allegedly touched the female police officer inappropriately on two occasions, leaving her feeling humiliated. The inspector immediately informed her senior officers and later lodged a formal complaint with Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar. CCTV footage was also reviewed as part of the investigation.
However, Kondhare denied the allegations, saying, "I was only present at the event as per the party’s instructions and did not misbehave with any woman officer."
Senior police officials have confirmed that an inquiry is underway, and further legal action will be taken after the investigation is completed.
Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Prashant Bhasme, Senior Police Inspector of Faraskhana Police Station, said, "The case has been registered under Sections 74 and 75(1) of the BNS. The matter is under investigation. However, the accused has not been arrested yet."
Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasane, speaking to Free Press Journal, said, “I am not aware of the news. Currently, I am engaged in the Palkhi procession."
Dheeraj Ghate, Pune City President, BJP, said that Kondhare has resigned from his post. "He has sent his resignation to me. He said that he will not continue in office until the incident is investigated. We have accepted his resignation," Ghate added.
