In a high-profile legal development, the Pune Police arrested Manorama Khedkar, mother of IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, in connection with an attempted murder case. The arrest stems from a land dispute incident that took place in Pune’s Mulshi tehsil, where Khedkar allegedly threatened a farmer with a gun.
Influential Figures Under Scrutiny
The case has drawn significant attention due to the Khedkar family’s political connections and influence. Manorama Khedkar, along with her husband Dilip Khedkar and three others, have been described by the police as “influential and politically active.” This status has heightened the stakes in the legal proceedings.
The charges against Manorama Khedkar include serious allegations under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act. The most severe charge, IPC Section 307 (attempt to murder), was added to the FIR after a video surfaced showing Khedkar allegedly threatening the complainant, Pandharinath Pasalkar, with a gun.
Details of the Incident
According to the prosecution, on June 4, 2023, Manorama Khedkar and the other accused threatened Pasalkar during a confrontation over a land dispute. The prosecution claimed that Khedkar pointed a gun at Pasalkar’s head and attempted to pull the trigger, but Pasalkar managed to duck, avoiding potential fatal harm.
The police stated that Khedkar has been uncooperative in the investigation, refusing to provide information about the whereabouts of her husband and the other accused, as well as details about the weapon and vehicle used in the crime. This lack of cooperation has led the police to seek her custodial interrogation.
Court Proceedings and Defense Argument
During the court hearing, the prosecution emphasized the need for Khedkar’s custody to confiscate the weapon and trace the other accused. The defense, represented by Nikhil Malani, argued that the charges were an afterthought, pointing out that the FIR was registered 13 months after the incident. Malani contended that the addition of Section 307 was abrupt and unfounded.
Despite these arguments, the court remanded Manorama Khedkar in police custody until July 20, allowing the police time to further investigate the case.
Broader Controversy Involving Puja Khedkar
The legal troubles extend beyond Manorama Khedkar, with her daughter, IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, also under scrutiny. Puja Khedkar faces allegations regarding her disability and OBC certificates used in her UPSC candidature. Additionally, her conduct during her tenure at the Pune collector’s office has come under examination.
In response to these controversies, the government has put on hold Puja Khedkar’s district training program and summoned her back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration for further action.
Further Investigations into the Khedkar Family
Adding to the family’s legal woes, the Pune Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has received a complaint seeking an open inquiry into the assets of Dilip Khedkar, a retired government official and father of Puja Khedkar. The ACB’s Nashik division is already investigating allegations of disproportionate assets against him, and the Pune unit is seeking direction on whether to incorporate the new complaint into the ongoing probe or initiate a separate inquiry.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Khedkar family remains at the center of a multifaceted investigation, highlighting issues of political influence, legal accountability, and public scrutiny.
For more updates on this developing story, visit Sarhind Times.
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