In a shocking incident that unfolded in Pune, a 28-year-old woman, shubhada Shankar Kodare, was brutally murdered by her colleague, Krishna Satyanarayan Kanoja, in the parking lot of their multinational BPO firm. The attack, which occurred on January 8, 2025, was reportedly triggered by a financial dispute, as the victim had allegedly borrowed money under false pretenses. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with no one intervening during the violent assault, which has since been captured on video and circulated widely. this tragic event has raised serious concerns about workplace safety and the need for better conflict resolution mechanisms in corporate environments [[1]](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bpo-murder-call-center-murder-yerawada-pune-man-stabs-colleague-to-death-in-office-parking-lot-no-one-intervenes-7435537) [[2]](https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/pune-bpo-employee-attacked-by-her-colleague-with-sharp-weapon-9765736/) [[3]](https://news24online.com/india/pune-shocker-call-centre-employee-brutally-killed-by-colleague-in-broad-daylight-video-emerges/437115/).
Time.news Q&A: Addressing Workplace Violence and Safety in the BPO Sector
Editor: Today, we have Dr. Anisha Rao, a workplace safety expert, with us to discuss a recent tragic incident involving workplace violence at a BPO in Pune. On January 8, 2025, a 28-year-old woman named Shubhada Shankar Kodare was brutally murdered by her colleague, Krishna Satyanarayan Kanoja. This incident has raised meaningful concerns about security in corporate environments. Thank you for joining us, dr. Rao.
Dr. Rao: Thank you for having me.It’s a sobering reality that such incidents continue to occur,and it’s crucial we have these discussions.
Editor: Can you provide some context around this incident? What were the circumstances that led to this brutal attack?
Dr. Rao: the assault was reportedly triggered by a financial dispute, where the victim allegedly borrowed money under false pretenses from her colleague.The attack happened in the office parking lot,in broad daylight,which adds to the chilling nature of the incident. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with no one intervening during the violent assault. This reflects a serious issue in our society regarding bystander intervention during acts of violence [1].
Editor: It’s disheartening to hear about such a lack of intervention.What implications do you think this incident has for workplace safety policies in the BPO sector?
Dr. Rao: This tragic event underscores the urgent need for enhanced workplace safety measures, especially in high-stress environments like BPOs. Employers must prioritize employee safety by implementing strict safety protocols, including conflict resolution training and immediate crisis intervention strategies. Moreover, surveillance systems in critical areas like parking lots could act as a deterrent for violent behavior.
Editor: Video of the attack has circulated widely, raising further concerns about privacy and security. How should companies navigate these issues?
Dr.Rao: Companies need to balance employee privacy with security. Clear policies on surveillance and the appropriate use of footage are crucial.Employees should be made aware of surveillance measures, which can help create a sense of security while ensuring their privacy rights are respected. Regular training sessions on workplace policies regarding violence and reporting mechanisms should also be implemented[2].
Editor: That makes a lot of sense.From your perspective, what practical advice can BPO firms take away from this incident to foster a safer working environment?
Dr. Rao: Firstly, bpos should encourage open interaction where employees feel safe voicing concerns. Establishing a robust Employee Assistance program (EAP) can provide emotional support to staff and help mediate conflicts before they escalate. Secondly, training employees on conflict resolution skills can equip them with tools to handle disputes constructively. Lastly, having a clear procedure for reporting harassment or threats is essential, so employees know the steps to take if they feel unsafe[3].
Editor: Thank you, dr. Rao, for your insights. It’s crucial that as we move forward, we emphasize workplace safety to prevent tragedies like this one from happening again.
Dr.Rao: Thank you for addressing this important issue. It’s up to all of us—employers, employees, and society—to foster a culture of safety and respect in the workplace.