Pune police arrest construction worker for strangling pregnant wife in Hinjewadi

PUNE: A 30-year-old construction worker has been arrested in Pune after allegedly strangling his pregnant wife to death at a labour camp in Hinjewadi. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the Sukhwani Amber Construction Labour Camp near Kasturi Chowk, prompting a murder investigation by the local police [1, 2].

The accused, identified as Rakesh Sagar Gond, a native of Bihar’s Kaimur district, and the victim, Anita Kumari Gond, were both employed at a construction site in the area and resided in the workers' colony [1, 2]. The victim’s cousin, Rupesh Shambhu Saw, lodged a formal complaint at the Hinjawadi Police Station after the incident came to light.

Police Sub-Inspector Shrikishan Kande provided details regarding the circumstances leading to the alleged crime. He stated that the victim had suffered two previous miscarriages and was currently pregnant again. In an attempt to prevent another pregnancy loss, the accused was administering a traditional remedy that involved steam infused with camphor and cloves. According to the police, the woman suddenly became agitated, started screaming, and ran out of their room wearing very little clothing. The accused allegedly throttled her to death while trying to force her back into the room.

The Hinjawadi Police have arrested the accused under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). While the police narrative highlights the administration of a traditional remedy, preliminary information also suggests that a domestic dispute preceded the incident. Investigators are currently examining both angles to establish the exact sequence of events.

Hinjewadi, located on the western outskirts of Pune, is a major information technology hub that has seen significant real estate and infrastructure development over the past decade. This boom has attracted thousands of migrant labourers from states like Bihar, who often reside in temporary camps near construction sites. The living conditions in these camps, while providing basic shelter, often lack adequate medical facilities and counselling support, leaving workers to rely on informal or traditional methods for health issues.

This tragedy underscores the vulnerabilities faced by migrant construction workers living in temporary labour camps on the peripheries of rapidly expanding urban centres. The reliance on unverified traditional remedies for medical concerns, combined with the isolation of colony living, can create volatile situations. The incident also raises questions about the welfare monitoring mechanisms at large construction sites in the region.

The Hinjawadi Police are continuing their detailed investigation into the matter. The accused is expected to be produced before the local court, while the victim's body will undergo a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death and corroborate the police's findings.