The shocking murder of young software professional Rasila Raju O.P. within the premises of tech major Infosys in Pune’s Hinjewadi IT Park has brought the issue of workplace security in general, and women’s safety in particular, into sharp relief. The vicious nature of the murder — the victim was strangled using a computer cable and brutally assaulted — has raised questions about the efficacy of emergency security systems deployed by major companies.
In an email interview with The Hindu, former CBI Director R.K. Raghavan, presently with the Tata Consultancy Services as Corporate Security adviser, responded to the vexing issue of workplace security arrangements.
How can we prevent such tragic incidents in large corporate set-ups? What are the techniques and technologies in use to keep such incidents under check? Why do, or don’t, large corporations invest in such systems?
There is no way such incidents can be totally eliminated in a large IT facility. At best, their frequency can be reduced. This is analogous to crime in society. We cannot root out crime, we can only endeavour to reduce its intensity. Access control through smart cards and surveillance using a large number of CCTV cameras/monitors are useful technological aids. While the former will keep out unauthorised/ undesirable elements, cameras have a deterring effect and also help track down a trespasser/offender after a security breach. Large corporations do invest generously on enhancing physical and employee security. The smaller ones may not have the resources.
The victim had apparently requested a transfer to Bengaluru, which was pending at the time of the tragedy. So when she accused the suspect of impropriety, how should the security heads have reacted? In general, when do security heads enter the picture?
That the victim had requested a transfer to Bangalore and that it was not granted are issues that will have to be confirmed by Infosys. I cannot speculate. It is not clear whether the Pune Infosys victim actually complained about the security guard concerned or she stopped with a mere threat that she will escalate his misbehaviour to the top management. Security heads come into the picture only after they receive a complaint of misbehaviour.
What is their role in a place where anything can go wrong in the blink of an eye?
Once security managers come to know of any misbehaviour, it is their fundamental duty to undertake a quick enquiry and remove the offender from the premises with minimum loss of time. A suspicion of misbehaviour is enough and there is no need for absolute proof. If, in this, instance, there had been a complaint by the victim and still the security managers did not take swift and ruthless action, they are culpable of having neglected their duty.
Pune Police Commissioner expressed concern about the odd nature of Rasila’s shift (2-11 p.m.), especially when she was working alone. Was the emergency response tardy on this occasion?
As far as possible, IT companies ensure that women employees do not either sit late on a working day or work on holiday all by themselves. Generally it is ensured that a male employee is present on the premises and accompanies them when they go home late. A company cab made available for women employees at frequent intervals drops them at their homes. Even on such journeys, a male associate or a security personnel accompanies them. Non-adherence to such a well laid out drill is taken seriously by the top management.
Despite formal security endeavour statements, do corporates actually follow up on their stated security initiatives, like periodic mail communication aimed at employee safety?
I am personally aware that a large number of IT companies are hyperactive in this area of sensitising employees on the need to observe basic security precautions. The exercise takes the form of online advice as well as posters, supplemented by safety training. For instance, TCS has a full-fledged and imaginatively drawn up ‘Safety First’ programme that has been very effective.
