Pune: Manorama Khedkar, mother of IAS Puja Khedkar, has been remanded to police custody till July 20, 2024. Manorama Khedkar was produced in the Paud Court on Thursday (July 18) afternoon by Pune Rural Police. Following arguments from the prosecution and defence, the court granted 2 days of police custody of Manorama Khedkar to the police.

Manorama Khedkar was arrested by Pune Rural Police from Mahad, Raigad on Thursday morning. The arrest was made in connection with the possession of an illegal weapon and threatening a farmer with the weapon.

This alleged incident had occurred in Paud, Mulshi Taluka in 2023. During the court hearing, a video of Manorama Khedkar was shown on a mobile phone. The court's decision came after considering the arguments and reviewing the evidence.

Public Prosecutor's Argument:

• Manorama Khedkar was arrested at 9:15 AM in Mahad.

• The pistol needs to be seized.

• The Land Cruiser vehicle used in the incident needs to be confiscated.

• The accused is influential and could exert pressure on the complainant and other individuals.

• A seven-day police custody is requested to apprehend other accused individuals and investigate whether the accused has threatened other farmers in the Mulshi Taluka area.

Defense Attorney's Argument:

• The land in question was purchased in 2006.

• The pistol is licensed.

• The accused has no prior criminal record.

• Section 307 was suddenly added yesterday; all previous sections are bailable.

• They assured cooperation with the investigation.

Pune Rural Police claim that Manorama and her husband Dilip Khedkar were staying in the hotel under false identities. Before her arrest, the couple stayed at Parvati Nivas Hotel under the names Indubai Dhakne and Dadasaheb Gnyandev Dhakne, as per the hotel register.