In recent months, Pune has reported a significant uptick in cases of physical and sexual violence against women. Statistics reveal a 35% increase in reported assault cases over the past year, a trend that has alarmed both local authorities and residents. The surge in violence has included high-profile cases that have brought the issue into sharp focus.
One particularly shocking incident involved a 24-year-old software engineer who was brutally attacked by a known stalker. Despite having previously reported the harassment to her employer and the police, the situation escalated to a violent assault. This case has highlighted severe gaps in the enforcement of protective measures and the urgent need for a more responsive support system.
Another case involved a 17-year-old student who was assaulted in a busy part of the city while walking home from school. The attack, which occurred in broad daylight, has sparked widespread outrage and demands for increased police presence and surveillance in public areas. The victim’s family has called for more stringent action to ensure the safety of young women and girls.
The rising violence has prompted local women’s rights groups and activists to intensify their calls for reform. “The increase in assaults against women is a wake-up call for all of us,” said Meera Joshi, a prominent advocate for women’s rights in Pune. “It is clear that our current systems are failing to protect women adequately. We need comprehensive reforms, including improved law enforcement practices, better support for victims, and a cultural shift towards zero tolerance for violence.”
In response to the growing crisis, Pune Police have announced several measures, including increased patrolling in high-risk areas and the implementation of new safety campaigns. Authorities are also exploring the installation of more CCTV cameras and the development of dedicated hotlines for reporting harassment. However, many activists argue that these measures are insufficient and that more profound changes are needed.
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.
“The police presence is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough,” said Priya Sharma, a member of the Pune Women’s Forum. “We need to see real changes in how cases are handled, from faster processing of complaints to better protection for survivors. There must be a clear and effective pathway for women to seek justice without facing further victimization.”
Educational institutions and community organizations are also stepping up their efforts. Schools and colleges are offering workshops on self-defense and personal safety, while community groups are organizing awareness programs to educate both women and men about gender-based violence and respect. These initiatives aim to empower women and foster a safer environment.
Despite these efforts, the road to safety remains fraught with challenges. The increase in assault cases reflects deeper societal issues, including entrenched attitudes towards gender and inadequate legal protections. As Pune grapples with this crisis, the collective hope is for a more effective and compassionate response from all sectors of society.
The demand for stronger protections and more rigorous enforcement of laws is now at the forefront of public discourse. Women across Pune are standing united, calling for a future where they can live without fear and where justice is both swift and certain. Until then, the struggle continues, with activists, authorities, and communities working together to address the epidemic of violence and ensure a safer, more equitable city for all.