Pune Police Register NC After Poona Club CEO Alleges Threats Over Election Dispute

Pune, 26th August 2026: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Secretary of The Poona Club Limited has approached Bund Garden Police alleging harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse, threats and coercive pressure by members of the club’s Managing Committee in connection with the forthcoming club elections and a dispute over the eligibility of candidates.

Bundgarden Police have registered a non-cognisable (NC) entry based on the complaint.

In his complaint submitted on August 25, Lt Col Abhay Sharma (Retd.), CEO and Secretary of The Poona Club Limited, alleged that he was repeatedly pressured to act on a Returning Officer’s decision concerning the eligibility of two candidates contesting the forthcoming club elections.

According to the complaint, the Returning Officer had communicated a decision declaring the two candidates ineligible to contest the elections. Sharma stated that, as the matter had legal implications and involved members of the Managing Committee who were also contesting the elections, he sought legal advice before taking any action.

Sharma alleged that following the Returning Officer’s decision, several members of the Managing Committee approached him and pressured him to immediately implement the decision.

Allegations of threats and verbal abuse
The CEO alleged that after he communicated the club’s position to the Returning Officer based on legal advice, he faced repeated pressure from members of the Managing Committee.

According to his complaint, he was allegedly called terms such as “biased” and “bika hua” and was told that he could face termination from his employment if he did not comply with their directions.

He further alleged that he received repeated telephone calls and emails pressuring him to disregard the legal opinion obtained by the club and act contrary to the club’s bye-laws.

Sharma stated that he considered such pressure particularly serious as he was required to discharge his duties independently and in accordance with the club’s rules and legal advice.

Alleged pressure to record video
The complaint also alleges that on a subsequent occasion, some members attempted to compel Sharma to record a video statement stating that he would not implement the Returning Officer’s decision.
Sharma said he refused to record the statement, maintaining that he had to perform his official responsibilities in accordance with the club’s bye-laws and legal advice.

The complaint further refers to court proceedings relating to the election dispute and alleged pressure concerning the appointment and instructions of lawyers representing the club.
CEO alleges termination followed earlier threats
According to Sharma, he was called to a meeting on August 24, where he was questioned and reprimanded over his handling of the election-related matter.

He alleged that he was subsequently handed a communication terminating his services as CEO and Secretary.

Sharma claimed that the termination came against the backdrop of earlier alleged threats that his employment would be terminated if he did not comply with directions issued by certain members.

He has therefore alleged that his termination may be connected with his refusal to act contrary to the legal advice and club bye-laws.

Seeks police protection
In his complaint, Sharma requested the police to formally record the allegations of harassment, intimidation, threats, verbal abuse and coercive pressure.

He also sought protection against any further threats, intimidation or harassment and requested that the alleged attempt to compel him to record a video statement be taken on record.

Sharma said he was willing to provide relevant emails, letters, legal opinions, telephone records, the Returning Officer’s communication, termination communication and other documents to support his complaint.

When contacted, Poona Club president Gaurav Gadokhe said, “The matter concerning Col. Abhay Sharma, the Vice President and five Managing Committee members is presently before the appropriate authorities, and therefore it would not be appropriate for me to comment further. As President, my focus remains on ensuring that The Poona Club Ltd. continues to function in accordance with its Articles and established practices.”