Complaints of harassment, poor security and broken CCTV cameras; activists demand an end to night shifts

Serious concerns have emerged over the safety of women employees in Hinjawadi IT Park, with repeated complaints of harassment, mismanagement and lack of security during night shifts.

Many women officers and staff work late into the night, often until 2-3 a.m., but inadequate security has created an atmosphere of fear. Social activist Sachin Kalbhor has submitted a demand to the district collector and police administration, urging immediate measures to ensure a safe and reliable working environment for women. Reports suggest that several IT companies are neglecting women's safety during night shifts. Employees have complained of insufficient security within company premises, with many CCTV cameras lying defunct. Poor lighting, inadequate guards and negligence have further aggravated the situation, leaving women feeling unsafe both inside and outside office campuses.
The demand for cancelling night shifts and moving to day shifts has gained traction, as employees argue that without urgent intervention, the risks will only grow.

All eyes are now on how seriously the police and civic authorities respond to these complaints. The issue has sparked wider debate about corporate responsibility and the need for stronger enforcement of workplace safety norms in Pune's IT sector.

Complaints of drunk miscreants, drug abuse

Women working night shifts in Hinjawadi IT Park have raised serious concerns about harassment and crime. Reports allege that local miscreants and intoxicated men loiter near company premises, harassing female staff as they leave late at night. Many women say they feel frightened, with incidents of drunk individuals creating disturbances directly affecting their sense of safety. Encroachments and illegal activities have worsened the situation. Street vendors and hawkers occupy roadsides late into the night, attracting crowds and creating disorder. Complaints also point to alcohol consumption and even drug use - ganja, charas and MD - in the vicinity, posing a major challenge for security agencies. Against this backdrop, demands have intensified for increased police patrolling in and around the IT Park. Citizens and activists insist that sensitive areas must have special security deployment, suspicious movements monitored, and complaints acted upon immediately.

The police administration is expected to maintain regular patrols and take strict action against harassment, crime and narcotics. Yet lapses in security continue to leave women feeling unsafe. Observers stress that effective enforcement of laws, corporate responsibility and police responsiveness are essential to create a secure working environment.
Without urgent measures, rising insecurity and dissatisfaction could have wider social consequences. Citizens now expect the administration to treat these complaints with seriousness and implement immediate corrective steps.

Demand for complaint boxes, stricter laws

In view of complaints of mental harassment, suggestions have been made to install complaint boxes in companies so that employees can voice issues without fear. Calls have also been raised to keep CCTV cameras functional, increase the number of security guards, and provide special security arrangements for women working night shifts.
One of the strongest demands is to cancel night shifts altogether and move women employees to day shifts, a step believed to reduce potential risks. Traffic congestion in Hinjawadi has added to the difficulties, with women employees facing serious problems during peak hours. Further demands include activating internal complaint committees (ICC) more effectively, ensuring CCTV cameras are operational, increasing security staff, and providing dedicated protection for women during night duty.