Pune, once celebrated for its educational and cultural achievements, is now grappling with a deeply unsettling rise in violence against women. Recent data and high-profile incidents have highlighted a disturbing trend in the city, revealing an alarming increase in assaults, harassment, and other forms of gender-based violence. This surge has prompted widespread concern and demands for immediate action to address the root causes and improve safety for women.
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.
Recent statistics from the Pune Police Department indicate a 35% increase in reported cases of violence against women over the past year. This rise encompasses a range of offenses, including sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. The increase in reported incidents has been particularly stark in the last six months, a period marked by several high-profile cases that have drawn significant media attention and public outrage.
One such case involved a 19-year-old college student, Aditi Sharma, who was brutally attacked by a stranger while walking home from a study session. The assault occurred in a well-populated area of the city, raising serious questions about public safety and the effectiveness of existing security measures. Sharma’s attack, which resulted in severe physical injuries, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for stronger protective measures.
Another alarming case involved a 32-year-old woman, Meera Joshi, who was subjected to relentless stalking and harassment by a former colleague. Despite multiple complaints to the police and her employer, the harassment escalated, culminating in a violent assault. Joshi’s experience underscores a troubling gap in the enforcement of protective measures and the need for better support systems for survivors.
The rising violence against women in Pune is a reflection of broader societal issues, including entrenched gender biases and inadequate legal protections. Activists and women’s rights organizations are sounding the alarm, emphasizing that the current response mechanisms are insufficient to address the scale and severity of the problem. “The increase in violence against women is a grave concern that demands urgent and comprehensive action,” said Priya Sharma, a leading advocate for women’s rights. “We need systemic reforms that address the root causes of violence, enhance legal protections, and ensure effective enforcement.”
In response to the growing crisis, local authorities have announced a series of measures aimed at improving safety and support for women. The Pune Police Department is increasing patrols in high-risk areas and enhancing surveillance through the installation of additional CCTV cameras. Additionally, the Pune Municipal Corporation is exploring initiatives to improve street lighting and create safer public spaces.
Community groups and educational institutions are also playing a crucial role in addressing the issue. Schools and colleges are implementing programs on self-defense and personal safety, while community organizations are conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about gender-based violence and the importance of respect and equality.
Despite these efforts, many activists argue that more fundamental changes are needed to create lasting impact. “Addressing violence against women requires a holistic approach that goes beyond immediate safety measures,” said Aarti Deshmukh, a prominent member of the Pune Women’s Coalition. “We need to tackle the underlying cultural and societal factors that contribute to violence, including gender discrimination and the normalization of abusive behavior.”
As Pune faces this troubling trend, the city’s residents, authorities, and activists are united in their call for a safer and more equitable environment for women. The rise in violence is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and dignity of all women.
The disturbing trends in Pune serve as a powerful impetus for change, highlighting the need for urgent action and a comprehensive approach to address and prevent violence against women in the city.