Pune Police Seize Pistol Brandished by Puja Khedkar's Mother in Viral Video

The controversy surrounding probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar has intensified with the arrest of her mother, Manorama Khedkar.

Manorama was detained in Maharashtra's Raigad district after a video of her brandishing a firearm and threatening villagers over a land dispute went viral.

The Pune Police has now seized the pistol and three bullets from her home, as well as the SUV seen in the video.

The viral footage showed Manorama in a heated confrontation with a farmer, during which she demands to see land documents allegedly in her name.

As the exchange becomes more intense, she brandishes the firearm threateningly before quickly concealing it upon realising she is being filmed. She now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder.

This incident comes amid the controversy surrounding her daughter, Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch trainee IAS officer. Puja gained attention when Pune collector Suhas Diwase raised concerns with Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik about her making several demands not entitled to her during her probation.

This led to an investigation that revealed she had received relaxations for physical disability and OBC candidacy. However, allegations have surfaced questioning her eligibility for these relaxations.

Consequently, her two-year training has been suspended, and a panel formed by the Centre is now probing her selection into the IAS.