Pune has once again found itself in the headlines for Puja Khedkar, the dismissed IAS probationer whose controversial past has already made news. This time, the focus is on a bizarre incident at her family’s Aundh bungalow, where police found her parents and household staff unconscious, allegedly sedated, amid claims of theft and attempted robbery. The unfolding events have left investigators puzzled and the city talking about one of the strangest cases in recent memory.

The Incident

According to police reports, the Chatushrungi police were alerted late on Saturday night after Puja Khedkar made a distress call, claiming a theft had taken place at her Baner Road residence. When officers arrived at the bungalow, they encountered an unusual and alarming scene.

• The watchman, Jitendra Singh, was found lying unconscious in the parking area.
• Inside, Puja’s parents, Dilip and Manorama Khedkar, were found tied up on their bed, unconscious.
• The driver, Dadasaheb Dhakane, and the cook, Sujit Roy, were also discovered unconscious in different parts of the house.

Police observed that cupboards in multiple rooms had been opened and personal belongings were scattered on the floor, suggesting a possible burglary. An ambulance was called immediately, and all four staff and family members were shifted to a nearby hospital for emergency care.

Alleged Role of a Domestic Worker

In her verbal statement, Puja alleged that a recently hired domestic worker, reportedly from Nepal, had sedated the family and staff by mixing drugs into food or drinks. She claimed that she herself was tied up during the incident but managed to free herself and contact the police using another phone.

The officer in charge told HT that the domestic worker had been employed for around fifteen days before the incident. “The suspect reportedly observed the household closely, familiarised themselves with routines, and planned the theft carefully, without forcing entry,” the officer said.

Investigation Underway

Police stressed that the circumstances of the incident are highly unusual and accounts from the household vary, making the investigation complex. Forensic teams are expected to play a key role in establishing the sequence of events and verifying the claims.

At the time of reporting, Puja had not lodged a formal written complaint nor provided a detailed list of allegedly stolen valuables. Police said that the registration of a case under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)would be completed shortly.

Controversial History of the Khedkar Family

Puja Khedkar is no stranger to controversy. She was dismissed from IAS probation after being accused of misrepresenting facts in her application for the 2022 UPSC civil services examination to avail herself of reservation benefits. She has consistently refuted the allegations, but the dismissal and subsequent legal scrutiny have kept her in the public eye.

Last year, the family made headlines over another high-profile incident involving the alleged kidnapping of a truck driver. The driver had reportedly brushed against a family-owned Land Cruiser SUV, prompting Puja’s father and a bodyguard to detain him and transport him to their bungalow in Pune. Police eventually intervened, rescued the driver, and registered a case under Section 137(2) of the BNS. During that investigation, Puja’s mother reportedly obstructed police entry, leading to a heated confrontation before the driver was safely returned to Navi Mumbai.

Public Reaction

The latest incident has drawn significant attention due to its bizarre nature, combining elements of domestic betrayal, sedatives, and potential theft. Social media and local news channels have been abuzz with speculation, with some questioning the security measures in affluent households, while others are focused on Puja Khedkar’s controversial history and family dynamics.

Senior police officials have reiterated that no assumptions can be made until investigations are complete, highlighting that the unusual circumstances require a careful, methodical approach to untangle the facts.

What Happens Next

Investigators are currently focusing on several key questions:

• Verification of the sedative claim: Was the domestic worker indeed responsible for incapacitating the family and staff?
• Extent of the theft: What valuables, if any, were stolen during the incident?
• Staff accountability: What role, if any, did the driver, cook, or watchman play, and how were they incapacitated?
• Household security: How was a burglary carried out in a relatively well-guarded bungalow without raising alarms?

The forensic examination, combined with statements from Puja and household members, is expected to provide clarity in the coming days.

The Broader Context

This incident comes amid a string of controversies surrounding Puja Khedkar and her family. With her dismissal from the IAS, allegations of misrepresentation, and the prior truck driver episode, public perception remains sharply divided. While some view her as a figure surrounded by misfortune and conspiracies, others see a pattern of legal and personal troubles that have drawn persistent scrutiny.

The current case, blending alleged sedatives, theft, and family involvement, adds another layer of intrigue. Investigators and legal experts are cautioning the media and public to allow due process to unfold before conclusions are drawn.

As Pune police continue their investigation, the city watches closely. The combination of wealth, controversy, and alleged crime ensures that this story will dominate local headlines for weeks, especially given the high-profile nature of the Khedkar family.