Pune: Manorama Khedkar’s Lawyers Challenges Timing of Complaint, Citing Media Pressure Farmer Threat Case

Pune, 18th July 2024: Controversial IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, was arrested at Parvati Hotel in Hirkaniwadi, Mahad, Raigad district. She stands accused of threatening farmers and has been remanded into police custody for three days. Khedkar’s lawyers presented a video allegedly showing her threatening farmers to the judge, arguing that her actions were misconstrued.

Details of the case reveal that authorities seek to seize Manorama Khedkar’s pistol and verify the disputed land documents. The Public Prosecutor requested seven days of police custody, citing the influence and potential coercion the accused could exert on prosecutors. The Public Prosecutor also pressed for the arrest of other suspects who hold significant land in Mulshi taluka, suspecting their involvement in threatening farmers at various locations. The Prosecutor stated that media coverage bolstered the complainant’s resolve to press charges against Khedkar, filed a year after the incident due to alleged pressure on Complainant Pasalkar, who initially refrained from registering the complaint.

In response, Manorama Khedkar’s defence lawyer asserted her lawful ownership of the land since 2006 and her possession of a valid pistol license, emphasizing her clean record over 24 years of firearm ownership. They highlighted the sudden introduction of Article 307 (attempt to murder) and the bailable nature of previous charges, pledging full cooperation with the investigation. They also pointed out discrepancies in the timing of the complaint, filed a year after the incident when media reports emerged, and cited incidents where threats prompted Khedkar to keep the pistol for self-defence.

The outcome of this case has drawn statewide attention, with anticipation focused on the court’s decision regarding Manorama Khedkar’s legal fate.