Pune BJP leader booked for ‘sexually harassing’ woman cop

“As per the FIR, the incident took place near the venue of a programme of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari organised by the city unit of the BJP on Monday morning. Some people were having tea at the time at a tea stall near the venue including some office bearers of the BJP and citizens. It is alleged that Kondhre inappropriately touched the police officer at the time. The CCTV footage of the venue has been obtained and it is being examined. A probe has been launched and statements of people present will be recorded. Kondhre has not been arrested as of now,” said a senior police officer from Pune City police. “The probe of the case has been handed over to a woman officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police,” the senior officer added.

In the offence registered at a police station, the police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including section 74 (Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 75 (Sexual Harassment). Officials said that the complainant officer was part of the police deployment made for the programme of Union Minister Gadkari.

State BJP leader Chitra Wagh said, “The party has removed Kondhre from the official post. The BJP has always respected and protected women. The behaviour of Kondhre was unacceptable and he should be punished for it. We will push for strict punishment for him irrespective of him being BJP office bearer.”

Meanwhile, the NCP(SP), Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) protested against the BJP for its leaders misusing power to misbehave with women. “The BJP leaders are misbehaving with women in the city as their party is in power. This shameful act speaks of the values of the party leaders,” said city NCP (SP) chief Prashant Jagtap.

City Congress Chief Arvind Shinde said his party would agitate against the BJP leader’s alleged act. “The BJP has never respected women and its leaders are proving the same with their behaviour. We will protest on Thursday against the action of the BJP leader against the woman police officer,” he said. City Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Sanjay More condemned the behaviour of BJP leader.

A few days ago Pune police had booked another officer bearer of the city BJP unit for harassing a woman medical officer of Pune Municipal Corporation.