Pune Police arrested seven individuals, including Dr. Pranjal Khewalkar—son-in-law of senior NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse—after busting a high-profile rave party in a studio apartment in Kharadi early Sunday morning.
Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Branch conducted the raid around 3:40 am, leading to the seizure of 2.70 grams of cocaine, 70 grams of ganja, hookah sets, 10 mobile phones, liquor bottles, two cars, and other items, worth RS41.35 lakh.
The seven arrested include:
Pranjal Khewalkar (41), MD in medicine and husband of NCP (SP) women’s wing chief
Nikhil Popatani (35), cigarette trader with a past fraud case
Sameer Sayyad (41), hardware businessman
Sachin Bhombe (42), private employee
Shripad Yadav (27), contractor, with prior gambling charges
Isha Singh (22), from Aundh
Prachi Sharma (23), from Mahalunge
Police confirmed that the group attended a pub party before heading to the flat, where they had booked three rooms between July 25–28 at RS10,357 per night. They assembled just 45 minutes before the raid.
Blood samples were collected from all seven and sent for forensic testing. Authorities also raided Khewalkar’s bungalow in Hadapsar, seizing laptops, CDs, and other materials.
Investigators are also searching for three more individuals seen at the scene. Communication logs are under review.
Popatani and Yadav have existing criminal records. Khewalkar’s political connection has sparked widespread attention.
Reacting to the case, Eknath Khadse stated:
“If the investigation proves my son-in-law guilty, I won’t defend him. Let forensic results reveal the truth.”
CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar reiterated that legal procedure will be followed, and no one will be spared if found guilty.
MP Supriya Sule voiced support for Rohini Khadse, Khewalkar’s wife, and expressed concern over potential tampering with evidence.
