Pune, May 30: A serious incident has emerged in Pune, Maharashtra, where a female employee of the Pune Municipal Corporation, engaged in the 2027 census, was allegedly attacked. Reports indicate that during her door-to-door data collection, the worker and her colleagues faced verbal abuse, followed by a brutal assault the next day involving her son.
The employee, Vanita Gorakhnath Patole, aged 48, claims that the assailants tore her clothes and threatened her life while obstructing her official duties. A case has been registered at the Swargate police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
According to police reports, Patole works as a constable at the Bibvewadi regional office of the Pune Municipal Corporation. She was assigned to survey the Minatai Thackeray locality in the Swargate area for the census.
On May 27, between 3 PM and 4:30 PM, Patole was conducting her census duties on Street Number 14 in the Minatai Thackeray locality. During this time, a group consisting of Dnyaneshwar Navanath More, his wife Kranti More, sister Mukta Kasbe, mother Lilavati More, and nephew Abhijit More allegedly harassed her and obstructed her work.
Patole reported that when she asked questions related to the census, the accused expressed anger and began to verbally abuse her. She also mentioned that she received threats that day.
The following day, on May 28, Patole returned to the area with her son and other employees to complete the unfinished census work. A dispute erupted again. As the situation escalated, they attempted to leave, but the assailants called in reinforcements and attacked them.
According to the victim, 10 to 12 individuals surrounded her and her son, assaulting them with kicks, stones, and fists. The attackers brutally beat them, resulting in severe injuries, including a deep cut on her son’s finger that required four stitches.
In an interview, Patole stated, “I was merely fulfilling my governmental and national duty. I had no personal disputes with anyone. Yet, my son and I were viciously beaten. We were chased and attacked. My clothes were torn, and I was humiliated.”
She alleged that Dnyaneshwar More grabbed her hand and tore her blouse’s sleeve. There were also attempts to snatch her mobile phone, watch, and necklace.
Patole added, “Other employees accompanying me were also assaulted. This was my first visit to that house for the census. I cannot understand why such a severe attack was directed at me. I deserve justice.”
The Swargate police have registered a case against Dnyaneshwar Navanath More, Kranti Dnyaneshwar More, Mukta Rajabhau Kasbe, Lilavati Navanath More, Abhijit Shridhar More, and other unidentified individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Senior Police Inspector Yashwant Nikam from the Swargate police station stated, “An incident of assault on a female employee occurred during the census. Appropriate legal action will be taken against the accused. There is a need to raise awareness about the census in slum areas. Wherever employees require police assistance, full support will be provided.”
The police are currently investigating the matter.
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