NCW identifies safety and compliance failures at Pune BPO

A tragic incident at a Pune BPO has raised serious safety concerns. Shubhada Shankar Kodare, 28, was murdered by a colleague at WNS Global Services. The attack took place in a parking area on January 7, 2025, where she was struck with a chopper. Sadly, she died from excessive blood loss while receiving treatment. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has criticized the company for failing to ensure safety and compliance with workplace laws. Their investigation found major flaws in how the company handles grievances and maintains security. The team learned that the accused had reported a financial dispute with Shubhada to the HR department before the attack, but no action was taken. The NCW's report highlighted that security measures were inadequate, particularly regarding bag checks. It also stated that the company did not properly document grievances or conduct regular training on safety and harassment prevention. The NCW has sent its findings to Maharashtra's chief minister and other officials, urging immediate improvements. Among its recommendations, the NCW called for stronger security protocols, regular safety audits, and training on conflict resolution. Additionally, the commission suggested providing mental health counseling for employees and establishing specialized support centers for victims of violence. Furthermore, it urged the Pune Police to expedite their investigation and consider any previous threats related to the attacker. The NCW also recommended enhancing support for victims under the state’s existing financial assistance program.