Former Pune deputy mayor barred from PMC headquarters after woman employee's complaint

A former deputy mayor of Pune has been barred from entering the headquarters of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). A woman employee of the civic body has alleged that the former deputy mayor behaved improperly with her while she was on duty. Following the allegation, a formal complaint has been filed with the corporation's Vishakha Committee, which examines complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace.

The incident allegedly took place on the afternoon of Thursday, November 5. A Standing Committee meeting was under way at the PMC headquarters at the time. Several officials and employees were present at the meeting, while some others had gone out for the lunch break.

According to the complaint, the former office-bearer approached the woman employee while she was doing her work and caught hold of her hand, it is alleged. He is also alleged to have spoken to her in improper and abusive language. She managed to get away from him and then informed her senior officers of what had happened.

The incident is said to have caused resentment among PMC employees. The employees are demanding strict action against the former elected representative.

PMC security officer Rakesh Vitkar confirmed the restriction on entry. He said the administration has barred the former deputy mayor from coming onto the corporation's premises until further orders. Vitkar also said the decision was taken so that no pressure is brought on the complainant and the evidence related to the complaint remains safe.

The matter has been referred to the Vishakha Committee for examination. Further action will depend on what emerges from the committee's inquiry. Until then, these are all allegations, and they will be examined by the committee.