Pune, Maharashtra | July 27, 2025 — A late-night police raid in Pune’s upscale Kharadi neighborhood has snowballed into a high-profile political incident, with Pranjal Khewalkar, husband of Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohini Khadse, among seven individuals detained at a suspected rave party.

The operation was carried out by the Pune Crime Branch in the early hours of Sunday following a tip-off about illegal activities at a private studio apartment. Officers recovered narcotic substances, hookah paraphernalia, and liquor during the raid, according to officials.

“We had received credible information about a rave party in the Kharadi area,” said Nikhil Pingale, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime). “Our team conducted the raid and detained seven individuals—five men and two women. Narcotics, alcohol, and hookah items were seized from the location.”

Among those detained was Pranjal Khewalkar, identified as the husband of Rohini Khadse, a prominent face in Maharashtra politics and the state president of the NCP (SP) women’s wing.

Political Repercussions Begin

The raid and subsequent detention quickly took a political turn, with former Maharashtra minister and senior NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse, father-in-law of the accused, questioning the motives behind the police action.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday afternoon, Khadse said, “There should be a fair and impartial probe. It must be investigated whether this action was politically motivated.” The statement has added fuel to speculations that the incident may have deeper political undertones given the ongoing tensions between opposition parties and the ruling state government.

Khadse, once a senior BJP leader before switching allegiance to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), has remained a vocal critic of the current state regime. His comment has been interpreted by some as a subtle warning of possible misuse of state machinery for political vendetta.

Rohini Khadse has not made any public statement on the matter so far. According to multiple media reports, she has declined requests for comments.

Medical Tests and Legal Steps

All seven detainees, including Khewalkar, were taken to Sassoon General Hospital for medical examinations, a standard procedure in narcotics-related investigations. Pune Crime Branch officer Amol Pingale confirmed that the individuals were tested for drug consumption.

“They will be produced in court once medical reports are received. Legal proceedings will follow based on the findings of the medical and forensic tests,” said an officer familiar with the case.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Bombay Police Act. The apartment, located in a high-end residential zone, has also come under scrutiny for alleged misuse of tenancy for illegal gatherings.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Weighs In

Commenting on the developments, Sushma Andhare, deputy leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), linked the raid to larger political patterns. “This is not just a law and order move; it sends a message to those who raise their voices against the government. We are watching,” Andhare remarked, echoing sentiments of potential political targeting.

The remark has reignited debates over whether opposition figures and their families are facing selective scrutiny amid rising hostilities in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

A Party, a Raid, and a Political Narrative

This is not the first time an alleged rave party has brought political and legal scrutiny together in Maharashtra. However, the involvement of a prominent opposition leader’s family member adds a sensitive dimension to the case.

Pune, often seen as a hub of IT professionals, students, and nightlife, has witnessed increased law enforcement focus on drug and rave-related activities. Authorities have been actively pursuing tip-offs as part of a broader crackdown on substance abuse and illegal social gatherings in the city.

Still, critics point out that when such cases involve political affiliations, they tend to become high-stakes affairs. Whether the raid was strictly a law enforcement act or a politically timed maneuver remains a question that many are now asking.

What Lies Ahead?

Legal experts suggest that the NDPS Act provides for stringent prosecution, with offences being non-bailable and punishable by imprisonment depending on the quantity and classification of the substances found. If drug consumption is confirmed by medical tests, those detained could face serious charges.

Meanwhile, the silence from Rohini Khadse and the firm stance taken by Eknath Khadse signal a defensive posture from the NCP (SP) camp. The party has not issued any official statement as of the time of publication.

The developments come at a time when Maharashtra is gearing up for municipal elections, and political rivalry has intensified across party lines. The fallout from this incident could impact the public perception of both the party leadership and the state’s policing methods.

As investigations continue and the detainees are likely to be presented in court, all eyes remain on how this episode unfolds—legally, politically, and publicly.