A female bus conductor employed by the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) attempted suicide by self-immolation on Tuesday after allegedly being sexually harassed by a senior official.
Regarding the matter, a complaint was registered at the Bundgarden Police Station on February 20 against PMPML's Deputy Chief Manager Sanjay Rajaram Kushalkar.
The victim claimed that she was deliberately prevented from performing her duties on the Pune Station route, despite being assigned to it.
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According to her complaint, on February 5, 2024, she was operating her bus when an unexpected technical issue led to the air conditioning system shutting down. She attempted to resolve the issue, but the problem persisted. However, she claims that instead of assisting, the concerned officials obstructed her from continuing her duty.
The victim further alleged that she faced repeated discrimination and harassment, including being assigned routes arbitrarily. She expressed that the continued harassment and mental pressure pushed her into a state of distress.
She has submitted her complaint to multiple authorities, including the police department and government officials, but no action was taken. The woman also claims that she was being asked for sexual favours, and when she refused, she was suspended for irrelevant reasons.
Frustrated by the inaction of the senior officials, the victim attempted suicide by pouring kerosene on herself in Kushalkar's office at Swargate.
The incident has sparked concerns over the treatment of women employees in the transport sector, raising questions about workplace safety and fairness in Pune’s public transport system.
