IAS Puja Khedkars parents on run after FIR for threatening a farmer: Police
After an FIR was filed against the parents of trainee IAS official Puja Khedkar for allegedly threatening a farmer, Pune Rural Police announced on Monday that the accused are on the run and have turned off their phones.
PTC News Desk: After an FIR was filed against the parents of trainee IAS official Puja Khedkar for allegedly threatening a farmer, Pune Rural Police announced on Monday that the accused are on the run and have turned off their phones.
"The accused are on the run. We trying to call them, but they are not approachable because their phones are turned off. We also visited their home, but they were not available," said Pankaj Deshmukh, SP, Pune Rural.
Deshmukh claimed that police teams are searching for Khedkar's parents.
"Several teams, including personnel from the local crime branch and local police stations, are looking for them in Pune and surrounding areas, including some farmhouses and residences. When we find them, we will question them and take appropriate action," the officer stated.
Manorama and Dilip Khedkar are two of seven people booked after a farmer filed a complaint alleging that Manorama Khedkar, the probationary IAS officer's mother, threatened him.
In a recent viral video, the mother was seen brandishing a firearm and allegedly threatening locals in Mulshi taluka, Pune district. According to police, the footage was recorded in June 2023.
Following an investigation, a case was filed against the accused under sections 323, 504, 506, 143, 144, 147, 148, and 149 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3 (25) of the Arms Act.
The family, however, has stated through their lawyer that the gun seen in the video was used to prevent further escalation of the conflict and for self-defence. They also stated that they have the valid permission to possess a weapon.