A Pune Municipal Corporation employee conducting Census-2027 door-to-door surveys was allegedly assaulted by a group of 10 to 12 individuals in Minatai Thackeray Vasahat, Swargate, on 28 May 2025, with her son sustaining a bite injury that required four stitches. The complainant, Vanita Gorakhnath Patole (48), a sepoy at the Bibwewadi Regional Office, alleged that her clothes were torn, her saree pulled, and death threats were issued during the attack. A case has since been registered at Swargate Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

How the Incident Unfolded

According to the complaint, trouble began on 27 May when Patole was conducting census enumeration in Lane No. 14 of the locality between approximately 3 pm and 4:30 pm IST. The accused — identified as Vikas Navnath More, his wife Kranti More, sister Mukta Kasbe, mother Lilavati More, and nephew Abhijeet More — allegedly became hostile when she posed routine survey questions, verbally abusing her and obstructing her official duties.

The following day, 28 May, Patole returned with her son and colleagues to complete the unfinished enumeration. According to her statement, the situation escalated again and, as the group attempted to leave, the accused allegedly summoned additional individuals and instigated a mob assault.

Nature of the Assault

Patole alleged that the mob attacked her and her son with kicks, punches, stones, and bare hands, knocking them to the ground. Her son was allegedly bitten on the finger, an injury that required four stitches. She further alleged that Vikas More grabbed her arm and tore the sleeve of her blouse, and that attempts were made to snatch her mobile phone, wristwatch, and neck chain. Colleagues accompanying her were also reportedly assaulted.

'I was merely performing my official and national duty. I had no personal dispute with anyone. Yet, my son and I were brutally beaten. We were chased and assaulted. My clothes were torn, my saree was pulled, and I was humiliated,' Patole said.

Police Response and Case Registered

Swargate Police Station has registered a case against Vikas Navnath More, Kranti Vikas More, Mukta Rajabhau Kasbe, Lilavati Navnath More, and Abhijit Shridhar More, along with several unidentified individuals, under BNS Sections 132, 115(2), 351(1), 352, 189(1), 189(2), 190, 74, and 118(1).

Senior Police Inspector Yashwant Nikam said, 'An incident involving the assault of a female employee during census operations has occurred. Appropriate legal action will be taken against the accused. There is a need to create awareness regarding census activities in slum areas. Wherever employees require police assistance, full cooperation will be provided.'

Broader Concern for Census Workers

The attack highlights a recurring vulnerability for government field workers — particularly women — deployed in densely populated urban settlements. This comes amid the Centre's nationwide Census-2027 enumeration drive, where ground-level staff are required to visit every household, often without police escort. Senior officials have indicated that police assistance will now be provided wherever census employees request it. The investigation is ongoing.