The Pune unit of the Congress party staged a protest on Thursday outside the Kasba Ganpati Mandir against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), following the booking of its former general secretary, Pramod Kondhare, for allegedly sexually harassing a senior female police officer. The Congress accused the BJP of "misusing its power" and "pressuring the police" to protect its party worker.
Arvind Shinde, Pune Congress President, said, āA senior lady police officer faced molestation by a BJP leader, and the police are not arresting him. This act is a blot on Puneās culture. Why hasnāt he been arrested yet? Recently, a PMC health officer was harassed by a BJP worker, and the only punishment was a ban from entering the PMC building. The entire administration is under the BJPās dictatorship. Weāve submitted several complaints to government offices - whether the Collectorās office or Police Commissionerate - but no action is taken. Thatās why weāve come here to submit our complaint to Kasba Ganpati and urge Bappa to act against these dictators and goons.ā
The molestation incident reportedly occurred near the venue of a programme attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday, where multiple BJP leaders had assembled.
Police said Kondhare is accused of inappropriately touching the officer during the event, with the act captured on CCTV. They are currently reviewing the footage and recording witness statements.
Kondhare, a long-time office-bearer from Puneās Kasba Peth area, has denied the charges in his statement to police.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 74 (assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and Section 75 (sexual harassment).
Reacting to the incident, BJP City President Dheeraj Ghate stated, āAfter the incident came to light, we spoke to Pramod Kondhare. He has voluntarily stepped down from all his party responsibilities pending investigation. We believe the truth will come out through the probe, and if found guilty, appropriate action will follow.ā
Calling the incident āunfortunate,ā BJP MLC Chitra Wagh has demanded strict action against Kondhare.
