‘MSRTC DGM cannot be arrested until his bail plea is heard,’ says Mumbai court in sexual harassment case

Mumbai: In the sexual harassment case against retired MSRTC deputy general manager Virendra Kadam, the sessions court has directed Mumbai police not to arrest him before his bail hearing. The case was filed by an employee of a consulting and accounting firm, who alleged that he sought sexual favors in exchange for a promotion.

Kadam had approached the court last week seeking anticipatory bail, alleging that he was wrongly implicated. He claimed that at no time was he alone with the complainant. He also claimed that though he retired as DGM (IT), he was reappointed by the organization in March 2023 on a contract basis till October 2025.

Kadam claims that he treats every colleague with respect and dignity

In his plea, Kadam has claimed that he has worked with many female employees, including officers and advisors of Ms. KPMG, and has always treated them with the utmost respect and dignity. “The applicant (Kadam) in return consistently received a respectful response, except for this isolated complaint filed by the complainant,” the plea said. He claims that the complainant was working as a consultant appointed by MSRTC through the IT department since 2018, but no complaint had been lodged against him.

Kadam alleged that in the absence of a valid qualification, he recommended (in January and March 2024) the removal of two consultants, including the complainant, which also happened in April this year. On May 29, the day of the alleged incident, the complainant was informed of the decision to remove her, after which she allegedly filed the case in retaliation.

Refuting the allegations, Kadam has said that a senior vigilance official was present in the cabin along with others from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, countering the complainant’s claim that she was alone with him between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM.

The court has scheduled Kadam’s bail application for next week. The complainant, through her lawyer Amarendra Pargaonkar, had also requested the court to intervene. Her plea was granted.