PUNE, 9 JAN

A 28-year-old BPO employee, Shubhada Kodare, BPO was attacked with a cleaver by her colleague in the parking lot of their company in Pune on Tuesday. Several bystanders witnessed the brutal act but did not intervene. Some even recorded the incident. The attack, allegedly over money borrowed under false pretenses, resulted in her death.

The attacker, Krishna Kanoja, 30, an accountant at WNS Global, claimed Kodare had borrowed money several times, citing her father’s illness. Suspecting deceit, Kanoja visited her native place and discovered her father was in good health. Confronting Kodare around 6 pm on Tuesday in their office parking lot, an argument ensued, and Kanoja attacked her with a cleaver.

Kodare was left writhing on the ground until Kanoja discarded the weapon and was held by the crowd. She was rushed to a hospital with severe injuries but was declared dead around 9 pm. Police have arrested Kanoja and registered a case.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar criticised Pune Police for failing to address rising crime in the city, including attacks by ‘koyta’ gangs using machete-like weapons. Pawar warned senior officers, stating, “If they cannot handle the situation, better officers will be brought in.” He emphasised the government’s commitment to curbing crime despite providing significant resources to the police. –Agencies