'From Now On, I Will Be Scared To Open Door': Pune Women Voice Concern After Techie Raped By Man Posing As Delivery Agent Inside Her House

After the rape of a 22-year-old techie inside her house in Kondhwa, Pune is reeling with shock and outrage over the rising incidents of women’s safety being compromised. Several women expressed their concern, highlighting how such heinous crimes have shattered the sense of security, especially in a city known for its progress. From fears of venturing out at night to questioning the safety within their own homes, the recent incident has intensified calls for stricter action and greater awareness to protect women in the city.

The techie was 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.

Speaking to the FPJ, several women expressed their agony regarding the Kondhwa incident. 

Monali Awsarmal (32), who stays in Gokhle Nagar, said, "In all rape cases, they blame the survivor because she was outside alone or in an unsafe place. Now, the survivor was in the safe place, her home, yet she was raped. After the Bopdev Ghat rape case, the Swargate rape case, and the Solapur highway rape, this news has shocked me. Is Pune safe now?"

“No one deserves to go through the trauma of rape. The safety of women is paramount, and it's our collective responsibility to ensure their security and dignity," Pooja Katyarmal (32), an IT professional who stays in Moshi, told the FPJ. 

Echoing them, Rucha Kapadiya, a 26-year-old social media manager, said, “This is a spine-chilling case. I live with my younger sister, and we order food and stuff online, but from now on, I’ll be scared to open the door. Pune is not safe, and I wonder where on earth women are safe? It’s petty that we live in a society where women are objectified and are surrounded by men in the disguise of a demon.”

"This incident has changed that mindset altogether"

Krupa Sonawane, a 28-year-old educator, highlighted, “Home is a place where we feel most safe, but this incident has changed that mindset altogether.” 

“My parents are concerned for my safety, and I make sure that a colleague or friends drop me off at my flat. This hasn't stopped me from going out at night, though, but now I’ll be conscious,” Sonawane added.

Namita Rao, a medical student, told the FPJ, "The rape cases in Pune are increasing, and it’s a matter of concern. Women are killed at workplaces, raped at bus stops, they are raped if they step out with a man and now even home is not safe. People have no fear of the law; some stern action should be taken."

The case occurred just days after a minor on her way to Pandharpur ahead of Ashadhi Wari was sexually assaulted by bike-borne men, and months after the shocking Swargate and Bopdev Ghat rape cases.

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