Bhumata Brigade activists assault Infosys techie murder accused

Four activists of Bhumata Ranragini Brigade assaulted Bhaben Saikia, who was arrested for the murder of a woman software professional at Infosys building in Pune.

Pune, Feb 7: Four activists of Bhumata Ranragini Brigade including its president Trupti Desai on Tuesday allegedly assaulted Bhaben Saikia, arrested for the murder of a woman software professional at Infosys building, when he was being taken out of Shivajinagar court in Pune.

Police said the incident took place when Saikia, accused of killing 23-year-old Rasila Raju OP, was being taken out of court building this afternoon after the court remanded him in judicial custody till February 21.

"Desai and three other activists suddenly came and tried to assault him, however, the policemen took him away swiftly," said an officer with Shivajinagar police station.

"We have detained Desai and other three women. They will be released upon an admonition," the officer said.

Speaking to PTI on phone while she was detained, Desai, a women's rights activist, said, "The Infosys incident has raised concerns about security of female employees. To punish elements like Saikia, we today assaulted him."

Desai had last year successfully campaigned for permission for women to enter the inner sanctum of Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Saikia's lawyer Tousif Shaikh said the court refused to extend his police custody despite the prosecution's request.

Saikia, who worked at Infosys as a security guard, allegedly murdered Rasila on the ninth floor of the company's building at Hinjawadi here on January 29 because she had earlier scolded him for staring at her.

PTI