On May 8, 2025, at around 3 am, a 28-year-old female doctor was asleep in her apartment at Kadam Heights, Shivshambho Nagar, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune. According to the FIR, her 35-year-old male colleague, Dr. Deepak Balaji Dhawale, who resides in the same building rang her doorbell. When she answered, he allegedly forced his way inside, pushed her, and slapped her as she tried to escape. He then grabbed her hand, attempted to pull her closer, and molested her before she managed to resist and later report the incident to the police.
Both the victim and the accused were acquainted and lived in the same society, highlighting the disturbing reality that such crimes can occur even in seemingly secure, familiar environments.
The traumatized victim lodged a complaint at the Bharati Vidyapeeth police station. Pune police promptly registered a case against Dr. Dhawale under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The investigation, led by Police Inspector Thorat, is ongoing, with authorities collecting evidence and statements from both parties and potential witnesses within the society.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents and the broader Pune community. Many are demanding:
Stricter security protocols in residential societies, including surveillance, visitor verification, and emergency response systems.
Greater accountability from society managements to ensure residents’ safety, especially for women living alone or with families.
Awareness campaigns to encourage prompt reporting and support for victims of harassment or assault.
Women’s rights groups and local leaders are also calling for stronger legal deterrents and faster judicial processes in cases of sexual harassment and molestation.
Urban centers across India, including Pune, have seen a rise in reported cases of harassment and assault within residential complexes. Factors contributing to this trend include:
Familiarity between victim and accused, often leading to breaches of trust and reluctance to report.
Lack of effective security measures in many societies, despite the presence of CCTV or security staff.
Social stigma and fear of retaliation, which can discourage women from coming forward.
Experts stress the need for comprehensive safety audits, regular sensitization programs, and clear protocols for handling complaints within housing societies.
