Bengaluru: In a troubling revelation, two female engineers working at the Public Works Department (PWD) in a multi-storey building near Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru have come forward with shocking allegations against two contractors who are reportedly engaged in various departmental projects. This incident brings to light the challenging environment faced by women in the workplace, particularly in government offices where harassment, intimidation, and threats can undermine their dignity and impede their professional responsibilities.
The allegations made by the female engineers, Ashwini Lakshmaiah and Purnima Nelagali, detail a pattern of rude behaviour and threatening actions by contractors Nanjappa and Sangamesh who are said to be supporters of the ruling congress party and supporters of PWD minister Sathish Jarkiholi. These incidents not only reflect a culture of disregard for women’s professional roles but also highlight an alarming issue of safety and respect in a government workplace. The complaints, which have been formally submitted to Chief Secretary Dr Shalini Rajneesh, as well as the Vidhana Soudha Police Station, have led to an FIR being filed against the contractors involved.
The Incidents Unfold
On August 27, 2024, the first reported incident occurred when Ashwini Lakshmaiah was in her office. She was subjected to loud and abusive language from the two contractors, which prompted her to request that they conduct themselves in a more professional and respectful manner. Instead of heeding her request, the contractors allegedly retorted with a demeaning comment, suggesting that she needed to “learn to behave like ladies.” This alarming remark starkly underscores the pervasive gender bias that continues to affect women in professional settings.
In response to the contractors’ inappropriate behavior, Ashwini firmly stated, “Sir, there is no law that says any female officer should behave like a lady,” advocating for respect and equality in the workplace. Rather than backing down, the contractors escalated the situation, making alarming threats that they knew how to force her out of her job. Their actions created an environment of fear and intimidation, as they coerced her into providing them with sensitive information regarding the tender notification.
The female engineers expressed that their commitment to their duties has been severely hindered by the hostile actions of these contractors. Ashwini’s complaint detailed how persistent displays of aggression and intimidation made it increasingly difficult for them to fulfill their responsibilities, especially while working late nights between 7 to 8 PM, which raised legitimate concerns for their safety. The engineers described feeling trapped in a hostile work environment that undermined their ability to perform their jobs effectively.
A Broader Culture of Harassment
In a parallel incident involving Assistant Executive Engineer Poornima Nelagali, further allegations were brought forth against contractor Sangamesh, highlighting not just individual acts of misconduct, but a broader culture of harassment that seems to pervade the environment. Poornima’s experience during an online meeting on January 4, 2025, was similarly distressing. When asked for work-related information, she politely suggested discussing it after her meeting. Instead, Sangamesh reacted by pointing at her and disrupting her professional duties, a display of intimidation that not only affected her work but also deeply impacted her sense of dignity as a woman in a position of authority.
In her complaint, she lamented the ongoing pressures faced in an environment where women are routinely subjected to ridicule and disrespect. Poornima expressed her fears about the potential repercussions of such workplace harassment, mentioning that working late hours had now become a source of anxiety for her, doubting her safety due to the actions of Sangamesh. The emotional toll of these experiences was so profound that her complaint noted her distress, underscoring the severe mental strain such harassment can impose.
Government Action and Response
Meanwhile Chief Secretary Dr Shalini Rajneesh took immediate notice of the complaints filed by both female engineers. She directed that urgent action be taken against the offending contractors and emphasized the necessity for measures to ensure the safety of female employees within government offices.
Pending investigations hold the promise of accountability for the contractors involved. Based on the FIR filed against Sangamesh, the charges were brought under Sections 132 and 7 of the Indian Penal Code, reflecting a decisive step toward addressing the culture of impunity that often shields perpetrators of harassment in professional settings.
