Pune, 18 August 2025: A controversy has erupted in the city after allegations of assault and casteist abuse by Kothrud police against three young women. The incident, which came to light on August 1, sparked sharp protests and a late-night sit-in outside the Pune Police Commissionerate.
According to the women, police officers verbally abused them with casteist remarks and asked deeply offensive and personal questions during questioning. The women alleged they were called derogatory names and humiliated instead of being treated fairly in the investigation process.
In response, activist Shweta Patil, along with Anjali Ambedkar, Sujat Ambedkar, Parikrama Khot and nearly 60 supporters, joined the victims in staging a protest. From the morning of August 3 until late into the night, they demanded that an Atrocities Act case be registered against the Kothrud police officials involved.
NCP MLA Rohit Pawar, Anjali Ambedkar and Sujat Ambedkar were also present during the protest but were not named in any police action.
The police, however, rejected the allegations, stating that the incident took place indoors and that medical reports showed no fresh injuries or visible assault marks on the women. A circular issued by the police, denying wrongdoing, was torn up by Shweta Patil during the protest, further escalating tensions.
Subsequently, a case was filed against five people, including Patil, at Bund Garden police station under IPC Section 132 for obstructing government work. Police officials maintained that no evidence of the alleged assault was found, while the protesters insist that the women were humiliated and justice is being denied.
