Pune: A female cleaning staff member at a well-known hospital in Baner area was allegedly raped by her supervisor. The accused, Somnath Laxman Bengude, 42, was arrested by the Chatuhshrungi police after the victim lodged a formal complaint.
The incident has raised concerns about safety and the handling of internal complaints within institutions.
According to police reports, the victim, employed by the hospital through a private contractor, has been working at the hospital for the past four years. Bengude served as the supervisor of the cleaning department.
On June 29, after completing her duties, the woman was on the third floor of the hospital when Bengude approached her. He informed her that the X-ray department required cleaning due to dust buildup and escorted her to that section.
Later, at around 6 PM, while she was performing her cleaning duties, Bengude allegedly threatened her and forcibly raped her. He then warned her not to speak to anyone about the assault, threatening that she would lose her job if she did.
Shaken and terrified, the woman initially refrained from speaking out. She later submitted a complaint to the hospital’s security officer, but her concerns were dismissed, and no action was taken. Left with no other option, the woman went to the Chatuhshrungi police station and filed a formal complaint.
The police acted swiftly, arresting Bengude in connection with the case. The incident has sparked outrage and drawn attention to the lack of prompt response from the hospital’s internal security team.
