The Parksite police in Vikhroli have booked four employees of Big Bazaar at R-City Mall in Ghatkopar (West) for sexually harassing their female co-worker.
According to the complaint, the boys had been sexually harassing the victim for the past five to six months. They would pass lewd comments and throw gram seeds at her whenever she passed. One of the boys, who worked in the shop’s entertainment zone, would begin playing double-meaning songs when she passed by.
They allegedly often forced her to listen to lewd jokes and double meaning short poetries. Each time she passed by they allegedly stopped her and tried to hold her hand.
The Parksite police confirmed the arrest of Avinash Sahane, Feroz Khan, Noor Salman Khan and Hitesh Garude on July 5. The accused were produced in court the next day where they were released on bail.
“We arrested the four accused under sections 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman) and 34 (common intention) of Indian Penal Code (IPC),” said a police officer of Parksite police
station.
The victim Karishma Patil (32) (name changed to protect identity), a resident of Lower Parel, tried complaining to her superiors earlier, but to no avail.
Frustrated, she finally approached the police. When contacted, Karishma said, “I cannot talk as I am not feeling well.”
The other side
However, Big Bazaar managers feigned ignorance about the police complaint. Big Bazaar area manager Ajay Oban said, “I have no idea about the case. Please talk to our legal department head.” When the legal head, Subhash Sanghai, was approached he said, “I am not aware about the incident. I will check.” (MD)
