Mother of Probationary IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Detained for Threatening Farmers at Gunpoint

Pune, July 18 2024  Manorama Khedkar, mother of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, was detained by Pune rural police on Thursday for allegedly threatening farmers at gunpoint. The arrest took place in Mahad, Raigad district, and she is being transported to Pune for further questioning.

Inspector Manoj Yadav from Paud police station confirmed that Manorama will be formally arrested and presented in court later today. The FIR, filed by farmer Pandharinath Pasalkar on July 12, accuses Manorama, her husband Diliprao Khedkar, and Ambadas Khedkar, among others, of multiple offenses under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Arms Act. The complaint was sparked by a video showing Manorama brandishing a gun during a dispute over land in Dhadawali village on June 5, 2023.

Police had previously searched the Khedkars’ residence in Baner but did not find the accused. They have since intensified their search and collected witness statements. According to an election affidavit, Diliprao owns 1.21 hectares and Manorama owns 4.115 hectares in Dhadawali, where Puja also has 4.74 hectares, totaling 8.86 hectares.

Additionally, Pune City Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar issued a show cause notice to Manorama on July 13, questioning the validity of her gun license due to alleged rule violations.

Puja Khedkar is also under investigation for alleged misconduct during her tenure at the Pune district Collectorate, and her Audi car was seized on July 14 for documentation issues and unpaid fines.