Eknath Khadse Alleges Conspiracy, Plans Defamation Case Against Pune Police Over Kharadi Party Raid

Pune, 29th July 2025: Veteran Maharashtra politician Eknath Khadse has announced that he will file a defamation case against the Pune Police, alleging that a recent drug party raid in Kharadi—where his son-in-law Dr. Pranjal Manish Khewalkar was among those detained—was part of a deliberate attempt to malign his image.

Speaking at a press conference in Pune, Khadse questioned the legitimacy of the police action, claiming that there was no basis to term the private gathering as a “rave party.” The police had conducted the raid two days ago at a business hotel in Kharadi, detaining seven individuals, including Dr. Khewalkar. Six of them were arrested.

“What is the definition of a rave party?” Khadse asked. “Was there loud music or dancing? Then how can it be called a rave? The police filmed a video inside a private residence and shared it with the media. This is a clear attempt to defame me and my family.”

He further questioned the police’s decision to name his son-in-law as the prime accused. “In the footage shown by the police, drugs were found in a woman’s purse, yet Dr. Pranjal Khewalkar has been made the second accused. Why this selective targeting?” Khadse said.

Raising concerns about the role of Sassoon Hospital in the investigation, Khadse pointed out that previous controversies have cast doubts on the integrity of the hospital’s forensic and pathology procedures. “We demand the CCTV footage of all related testing processes. There is a real risk of tampering with the blood samples,” he said.

Alleging surveillance, Khadse claimed that police personnel in plain clothes had followed his son-in-law to a five-star hotel. “If the police are this proactive in this case, why don’t they show the same urgency in investigating the honey trap scandal or the rape case in Nashik?” he asked.

During the press conference itself, Khadse said he noticed plainclothes police officers in attendance, which he interpreted as further evidence of surveillance. “Even now, police are stationed outside my residence. This is nothing short of harassment,” he said. “This so-called rave party is a pre-planned conspiracy.”

Calling the entire episode politically motivated, Khadse said he would take legal action against the Pune Police. “This is not just about my family—this is about misuse of state machinery. I will fight it legally and demand accountability from the government,” he concluded.

The Pune Police have not yet issued an official response to Khadse’s allegations.