55-Year-Old Corporate Employee Granted Anticipatory Bail in Pune Modesty Case Involving Female Cab Driver

Pune, 17th May 2025: A 55-year-old assistant manager from Pune has been granted anticipatory bail by an Additional Sessions Judge SN Sachdeo after being named as the accused in a case involving alleged misconduct toward a female cab driver.

Nagnath Pandharinath Kode has been identified as the accused in the case registered at Kharadi Police Station.

According to the complaint, the incident took place on 2nd April, when the complainant, a 47-year-old woman employed as a driver for a travel company, was transporting several employees, including the accused. During the ride, the complainant alleged that the accused inappropriately touched her shoulder, neck, and back. Disturbed by the incident, she approached the police and lodged a formal complaint several days later.

Following the registration of the FIR, the accused faced significant social backlash and lost his job. The defense argued that the accusation was baseless and pointed out that other passengers were present in the vehicle at the time of the alleged incident. It was also highlighted that the complainant delayed filing the complaint by eight days. Additionally, the accused submitted employment documents suggesting he may have been assigned to a different vehicle on the day in question.

The prosecution opposed the bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the possibility that the accused might attempt to influence the complainant or other witnesses. However, the court observed that the investigation had already been completed and that the accused did not pose a flight risk, nor was there sufficient reason to believe he would tamper with evidence or witnesses, provided strict conditions were enforced.

The court granted anticipatory bail with the following conditions: the accused must cooperate with the police as required, refrain from contacting the complainant or any witnesses, not leave Pune without prior court approval, and keep the police informed of his current address and contact number. Any violation of these conditions will result in the cancellation of bail.

The accused was represented by Advocate Mayur Lodha and his second chair, Aryan Devne.