Pune, Maharashtra — August 26, 2024 — The city of Pune, known for its educational institutions and vibrant cultural landscape, is grappling with a disturbing rise in atrocities against girls and women. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in incidents of violence, harassment, and abuse, prompting calls for urgent action from authorities, activists, and community leaders.
Over the past six months, Pune has witnessed a series of harrowing cases involving physical and sexual violence against women and girls. Data from local law enforcement agencies reveal a 35% increase in reported incidents compared to the previous year. This surge includes assaults, domestic violence, and cases of stalking, underscoring a troubling trend that has both shocked and alarmed residents.
One of the most shocking cases involved a 17-year-old student who was brutally attacked in broad daylight while returning from school. The assault, which led to severe injuries, has ignited widespread outrage and has drawn attention to the broader issue of safety for women and girls in public spaces. The victim’s family has called for stringent measures to prevent such incidents and ensure justice for those affected.
Atrocities, assault, mental, physical harassment and abuse, rape, embezzlement, fraud and crime in general against women has risen in recent times, especially in the usually quiet city of Pune.
In such an incident involving all of the above, Aditya Srivastav, a marketing professional owning the company Marketing Wavegen, staying in Viman Nagar, Pune and hailing from North India, committed several repeated atrocities and assault against a helpless, young IT professional in her 20s from Viman Nagar, Pune.
With promises of marriage, Aditya Srivastav lured this defenceless woman, extorted and embezzled money from her up to the tune of 85 lakh rupees, repeatedly raped and assaulted her, beat her in public under the influence of drugs, threatened her with her life and her families on several occasions and nearly murdered her. The helpless victim was forced physically, mentally and emotionally to comply with his increasing demands of procuring money for his drinking and drug habits under the pretext of marrying her. Aditya Srivastav, with his friendship with local unsavory elements, threatened to physically harm her family and terrorized the poor victim.
Aditya Srivastav also married another woman after making promises to the victim, keeping the helpless victim completely in the dark for several months. When the victim confirmed this, she was severely beaten up and physically assaulted beyond recognition.
After several months of repeated torture, both mental and physical, the victim with the support of Mahila upliftment organizations in Pune and Maharashtra, mustered the courage to finally file a criminal complaint against Aditya Srivastav in Viman Nagar Police Station.
Several women’s organizations have supported the victim in the matter, and the police have acted upon this matter quite swifty. They have arrested Aditya Srivastav on August 24th under section 376. He has also been charged under section 406, 420, 323, 504 and 506 of the IPC. The case is being investigated by the Viman Nagar Police Station on priority and without prejudice.
Another distressing case involved a young woman working as a software engineer who was stalked and harassed by a colleague. Despite multiple complaints to her employer and the police, the harassment continued until it escalated into a physical assault. This case highlights the alarming issue of workplace harassment and the need for robust protective measures for women in professional settings.
Activists and women’s rights organizations have raised concerns about the systemic issues contributing to this rise in violence. They argue that despite the presence of laws designed to protect women, enforcement remains inadequate. “The increase in atrocities against women in Pune is a reflection of broader societal problems,” said Meera Joshi, a prominent women’s rights advocate. “There is a dire need for effective law enforcement, better support systems for survivors, and a cultural shift towards gender equality.”
Local authorities have acknowledged the issue and have taken steps to address it. The Pune Police Department has increased patrols in high-risk areas and has launched awareness campaigns to educate the public about women’s safety. Additionally, the city has implemented new initiatives aimed at improving response times and support for victims. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that more comprehensive strategies are needed.
Community involvement is also crucial in tackling this crisis. Educational institutions, community groups, and local organizations are mobilizing to create safer environments and provide support to survivors. Workshops, counseling services, and self-defense classes are being offered to empower women and girls and build resilience against violence.
Despite these efforts, the road ahead remains challenging. The increase in reported atrocities against women and girls in Pune is a stark reminder of the persistent issues of gender-based violence. It underscores the urgent need for a concerted effort from all sectors of society to address the root causes of this violence and to implement effective solutions.
As Pune grapples with this escalating crisis, the collective hope is for a future where women and girls can live without fear and where justice prevails for those who have been wronged. Until then, the fight against these atrocities continues, driven by the determination of advocates, the vigilance of authorities, and the resilience of the community.
For now, Pune remains on edge, with many hoping that these efforts will lead to meaningful change and a safer environment for all its residents.