आईएएस अधिकारी पूजा खेडकर के माता-पिता के बाद पुलिस ने मामला दर्ज किया है

Police after IAS officer Puja Khedkar's parents booked

Accused on the Run, Phones Switched Off: Police after IAS Officer Puja Khedkar's Parents Booked

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

On July 15, 2024, Pune Rural Police announced that the parents of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, along with five others, have been charged for allegedly threatening a farmer. The accused, including Dilip and Manorama Khedkar, are currently evading the authorities and have switched off their phones, making them unreachable.

A video clip that went viral recently shows Manorama Khedkar brandishing a firearm, which has intensified the scrutiny on the family. In the footage, she appears to be threatening villagers in Mulshi taluka, Pune district. The police confirmed that this video was recorded in June 2023, and following a thorough investigation, charges were filed against the accused.

Pankaj Deshmukh, Superintendent of Police (SP) for Pune Rural, stated, "The accused are on the run. We are trying to contact them but they are not reachable as their phones are switched off. We also reached their residence but they are not available." Deshmukh further mentioned that multiple police teams, including local crime branch officials and personnel from various police stations, are actively searching for the Khedkar family in Pune and surrounding areas.

The charges stem from a complaint lodged by a local farmer who claimed that he was threatened by Manorama Khedkar. Based on his statement and subsequent police investigation, the case was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections 323 (causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), and others. Additionally, the charges also include sections of the Arms Act, specifically section 3 (25), which pertains to the possession and use of firearms.

Despite the serious allegations, the Khedkar family has defended their actions through their lawyer. They assert that the firearm seen in the video was used in self-defense to prevent the situation from escalating further. They also claim to possess all necessary legal permits for the weapon.

This case has attracted significant attention due to the involvement of a probationary IAS officer's family. Puja Khedkar, currently in training, has not publicly commented on the matter. The ongoing investigation and the search for the accused continue to be closely monitored.

The incident has also sparked discussions about the accountability of public officials and their families, highlighting the need for strict adherence to the law, regardless of one's position. The police are under pressure to apprehend the accused swiftly and ensure that justice is served.

In addition to the search operations, the district administration of Ahmednagar has initiated an inquiry into the non-creamy layer certificate issued to Puja Khedkar. This certificate is crucial for candidates from Other Backward Classes (OBC) to secure reservations in government services and educational institutions. The probe aims to verify the authenticity of the certificate and ensure that it was obtained through legitimate means.

The Khedkar family's predicament continues to unfold, with law enforcement agencies intensifying their efforts to locate them. The police have assured that once the accused are found, they will be thoroughly questioned, and appropriate legal actions will be taken based on the findings.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and maintaining integrity in public service. As the investigation progresses, the public and authorities alike are keenly watching the developments, awaiting justice in this high-profile case involving the family of a budding IAS officer.

News Reference