Pune: The Pune Crime Branch busted a rave party at upscale Kharadi area of the city late on Saturday night and detained seven persons, including two women. Among those detained is Pranjal Khewalkar, husband of NCP leader Rohini Khadse and son-in-law of veteran politician Eknath Khadse.
The two-day affair had allegedly been arranged in two connected rooms of a hotel under the guise of a private house party. The raid revealed a drug-fuelled gathering, the police claimed. The bills were in the name of Khewalkar.
The raid was carried out on the basis of a tip-off. The authorities seized narcotics, hookahs, and alcohol from the scene. It was confirmed that those present were consuming drugs, smoking hookah, and drinking alcohol during the party.
Khewalkar’s involvement is likely to have serious political ramifications. He, along with the others have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The investigation is ongoing, and police have indicated that more names may surface as the probe widens.
The police have assured a thorough investigation, aiming to identify drug suppliers and dismantle any illegal networks behind the event. People are keeping watch as more details emerge in this high-profile drug case. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has told the media that Khewalkar is detained and will soon be formally arrested. “The process for his arrest is underway. He will be arrested,” Kumar said.
Samples have been collected from the spot and the seven are being questioned. Authorities said that there is a growing trend of illegal rave parties in Pune’s posh neighbourhoods and influential people are suspected to be involved. This is where Khewalkar’s role is being probed.
