Pune Court Grants 3-Day Custody of Manorama Khedkar, Mother of IAS Officer
Pune, 18th July 2024: Manorama Khedkar, the mother of probationary Indian Administrative Services (IAS) Officer Puja Khedkar, was arrested this morning by Pune Rural Police in Mahad. She was brought to Pune and registered at the local police station. After completing the necessary procedures, she underwent a medical test before being presented in Pune Court. Pune Rural Police requested 7 days of police custody, but the court granted 3 days of custody until 20th July.
Probationary IAS Officer Puja Khedkar initially came under controversy for installing a red beacon and writing “Maharashtra Government” on a private Audi car. Subsequently, multiple allegations surfaced, including providing a fake disability certificate for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, a fake ration card, and abuse of power. Additionally, videos of her mother, Manorama Khedkar, went viral, one showing her threatening a farmer in Mulshi. She also had a similar confrontation with Pune Police officials. Following these incidents, she had been evading arrest until her apprehension today in Mahad by Pune Rural Police.
In connection with the farmer intimidation case, IPC Section 307 (attempt to murder) has been added, initially registered as criminal intimidation against the farmer. Hence, the legal challenges have intensified for Manorama Khedkar.
Police justified their request for 7 days of custody for Manorama Khedkar, citing the need to locate her husband, Dilip Khedkar, against whom a case is also registered and who is currently absconding. They also seek information regarding the pistol used in the threatening incident and details about the Khedkar family’s land in Mulshi Taluka where the incident occurred, among other specifics. The Pune Court, however, has granted only three days of police custody for now.
