Prosecution Challenges Bail for Ex-IAS Officer Puja Khedkar's Mother

The prosecution opposed the bail plea of Manorama Khedkar, mother of former probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, on Thursday. The case involves criminal intimidation charges. The bail plea is currently being heard by additional sessions judge A N Mare.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Kundlik Choure argued against granting bail, citing the accused's political and economic influence. He expressed concerns that Manorama could tamper with evidence if released. Additionally, Choure highlighted that the sections under the Arms Act are non-bailable.

Prosecution's Concerns

The court is expected to announce its decision on the bail application on Friday. Pune rural Police initiated a search for Manorama and her husband Dilip Khedkar after a video emerged showing her allegedly threatening individuals with a gun over a land dispute in Dhadwali village, Mulshi tehsil, Pune, in 2023.

The Paud police in Pune rural booked the Khedkar couple and five others under various IPC sections. These include section 307 for attempted murder, section 144 for unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapons, section 147 for rioting, and section 506 for criminal intimidation. The Arms Act was also invoked.

Police Actions

Manorama was apprehended from a lodge in Hirkaniwadi village near Mahad in Raigad district. While she remains in judicial custody, her husband Dilip has secured anticipatory bail in the case.

The UPSC announced on Wednesday that it has cancelled the provisional candidature of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar. She has been debarred from all future examinations or selections.

This development adds another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the Khedkar family. The court's decision on Manorama's bail plea will be closely watched.