Politicians Slam Devendra Fadnavis And Police After Man Posing As Delivery Agent Rapes Techie At Home

The city is in shock after a 22-year-old IT professional has been raped by a man who gained access to her apartment in a housing society in Kondhwa by posing as a courier delivery executive on Wednesday evening around 7.30pm.

The nature of the crime, considering that it happened inside the house of the survivor, in the evening, in one of the posh societies in Pune, has triggered outrage. From politicians to common women, many have raised questions about women’s safety in the city.

The incident has invoked many reactions from Punekars and politicians alike, with many saying, “Now, women are not even safe within their own homes.”

Speaking to The Free Press Journal (GPlus), Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More demanded that Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, should give his “full time” to the state.

“The home minister should give his full time to the state. Chief Minister Fadanvis doesn’t have time to pay attention to the Pune district. The crime cases are increasing, especially in the metro cities. Moreover, the police are showing negligence in verifying the outsiders and tenants,” More told the GPlus.

‘Fadnavis is ignoring the people of Pune’: Jagtap

Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP-SP) city president Prashant Jagtap alleged that Fadnavis is ignoring the people of Pune despite receiving the majority of their votes.

“Punekars have given full support to Fadanvis in the elections, but the citizens are ignored by him,” Jagtap said.

“Now everything is ‘Bhagwan bharose’ (left on the mercy of God)! Pune is among the fastest-growing cities in the world. Despite this, there is no safety for the public, especially women,” Jagtap told the GPlus.

“The daily crime list, including, vehicle vandalisation, ‘koyata gang’ and rape cases are representing the failure of Pune Police. Despite having CCTV cameras in the society, a girl was raped in a home—this is a direct challenge to the police. Goons have no fear of the police,” the NCP-SP leader alleged.

‘Police have been losing their control’: Kirdat

Speaking to the GPlus, Mukund Kirdat, the district convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleged that the Pune Police are focusing more on solving crimes than preventing them.

“Such incidents are happening several times as the police are focusing more on investigation instead of prevention,” the AAP leader said. 

Giving examples, he highlighted that several CCTVs are not working across the city. 

“All crime incidents are (due to) a nexus between the police, politicians and goons. In recent times, the police have been losing their control, due to which the middle-class families feel unsafe. The state government should work on employment, which will also play a crucial role in reducing crime in the city,” Kirdat told the GPlus.

‘Now, women are not even safe within their own homes’

Echoing similar sentiments, Maharashtra Pradesh Mahila Congress’s vice president, Sangita Tiwari, slammed the Mahayuti government and threatened to launch a women’s protest.

“The incident is a shame for Pune and Maharashtra. Now, women are not even safe within their own homes. This is ridiculous and dangerous! From where do these goons get the courage to commit such heinous acts? Weak policing, law and order are the reasons,” Tiwari told the GPlus.

“CM Deva Bhauu (Fadanvis) should be ashamed! If Fadnavis can’t take the matter of women’s safety seriously, then women will themselves protest for their safety. Harsh punishment should be given to such goons,” she added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar-led NCP’s spokesperson Rupali Patil told the GPlus that the matter requires a thorough investigation, following which the perpetrator must be given harsh punishment.