Dramatic robbery at house of former trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar in Pune, held hostage and threatened with death
Puja Khedkar Bungalow Robbery: Former trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, who has been embroiled in controversies, is once again in the news. A dramatic robbery took place late Saturday night at her family bungalow on Baner Road in Pune. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) within 24 hours.
What happened that night?
According to the information given to the police, the attackers entered the bungalow, tied Puja Khedkar's hands and feet, and locked her in a room. They also threatened to kill her. Puja Khedkar claimed that she somehow freed herself and informed the police about the incident using another phone.
Recently hired domestic helper drugged everyone
The investigation revealed the shocking fact that not only Puja, but also her parents (Manorama and Dilip Khedkar), the house driver, watchman, and cook were targeted. Khedkar alleges that a recently hired domestic helper of Nepalese origin drugged everyone, rendering them unconscious. Once the entire family was incapacitated, the robbers broke open the cupboards with a crowbar and stole cash, mobile phones, and other valuables.
Several police teams are conducting raids
Pune police have taken a very strict stance in this case. The FIR has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The crime has been categorized as 'dacoity' (armed robbery). Several police teams are now conducting raids in search of the absconding domestic helper and her accomplices.
Puja herself is facing allegations
Puja Khedkar herself is facing allegations of concealing facts and using forged certificates to avail reservation benefits in the UPSC examination, which led to the cancellation of her candidature. Meanwhile, her parents were booked last year in a case of kidnapping a truck driver in Navi Mumbai. This robbery, occurring amidst a long history of disputes, has further complicated the investigation for the police.
Police probing whether there was any old enmity behind this robbery
Currently, the police's priority is to apprehend the Nepali domestic helper, who is considered the main instigator of the crime. The police are also investigating whether there was any old animosity behind this robbery or if it was simply an act committed with the intention of theft. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed to determine the escape route of the perpetrators.