A 51-year-old woman, running a photo-frame and gifting business in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, alleges she was forcibly stripped naked at gunpoint, physically abused, and threatened with harassment videos by Joy John Pascal Postel, MD and Founder-member of Franco Indian Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., and five others on January 17, 2023.
The victim’s complaint led to an FIR lodged on November 22, 2025, under several IPC sections, the Arms Act, and the IT Act. Mumbai Police have started a detailed investigation while the accused deny the charges, framing the incident as a conspiracy. Police affirm their commitment to a fair probe.
Assault and Threats Inside a Corporate Office
According to the FIR and police statements, the businesswoman received a call from an employee of Franco Indian Pharmaceuticals, Manish Honavar, inviting her for a meeting at their office in Mahalaxmi.
Upon arriving, she was suddenly attacked with the butt of a revolver on her shoulder and back, forcibly taken into the MD’s cabin where she was stripped of her burkha at gunpoint, molested, and verbally abused.
The accused reportedly threatened to capture videos and photographs, warning they would make these public on social media to damage her reputation.
Pained and traumatised, the woman initially approached Pydhonie police, after which the case was transferred to NM Joshi Marg police who registered the FIR.
Senior officials assured a swift and non-partisan investigation is underway, highlighting the seriousness with which the case is being treated.
The Legal and Social Context
The FIR charges the accused under IPC Sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354B (assault or use of criminal force to disrobe), and 324 (voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous weapons), along with relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Information Technology Act.
The case has drawn significant media and public attention as it exposes alarming breaches of safety and dignity within a corporate setting. The accused deny all allegations, with their legal representatives claiming the complaint is fabricated.
This has opened wider debates on the vulnerability of women entrepreneurs and workers regarding harassment and violence, prompting activists to demand stronger workplace protection mechanisms and prompt legal recourse for victims.
The Broader Implications
This incident underscores persistent challenges nationwide regarding women’s safety in professional spaces. Beyond this individual case, it calls for more rigorous policies and enforcement to prevent abuse and intimidation, especially by people in positions of authority.
The victim’s courage in coming forward shines light on the need to destigmatise reporting such crimes and enhance support systems for survivors. At the same time, fair legal processes must balance protecting rights while ensuring perpetrators are held to account.
This case could become a precedent for improved legal frameworks and corporate accountability measures to create safer environments for all workers and entrepreneurs.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, the core belief is that every individual deserves safety, dignity, and respect – especially within their workplaces.
Incidents like these must galvanise society, authorities, and companies to work together toward systemic solutions that root out abuse and prioritise empathy, justice, and transparency.
It is essential to cultivate culture where victims feel supported in seeking help and perpetrators cannot hide behind power or influence. This story is a reminder that structural change begins with awareness and action.
