Pune: A woman officer from the Employee Provident Fund (PF) office faced physical assault and verbal abuse by a businessman while delivering a legal notice regarding overdue employee provident fund contributions. The incident occurred in Pune's Shivajinagar area, and a case has been registered against the businessman.

The officer, Gauri Mali, had filed a complaint at the Shivajinagar police station following the incident. According to the police, Mali visited the businessman's office to serve a notice concerning overdue employee provident fund payments.

During the visit, the businessman allegedly engaged in a heated argument, used abusive language, and pushed Mali. He also forcibly snatched her mobile phone and threw it to the ground, damaging the device.

Senior Police Inspector Chandrashekhar Sawant promptly visited the site to assess the situation. Assistant Police Inspector Sanjay Pandhare has been assigned to investigate further. The police have assured swift action against the accused and are currently collecting evidence to support the case.

Earlier in a separate case reported in September 2024, the Maharashtra Labor Department had launched an investigation to take action against Ernst & Young for operating without the mandatory license under the Shops and Establishments Act since 2007, which governs the welfare and rights of employees.

According to labor department officials, EY's Pune office has been functioning for over 16 years without obtaining the necessary operational license under the Shops and Establishments Act, which is designed to protect employees' health, rights, and financial security.