Dismissed IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar Seeks Pune Police Probe Into Parents' Poisoning During Dacoity
In a significant development, dismissed IAS probationer Puja Khedkar has formally written an email to Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar, demanding a thorough investigation into what she describes as a conspiracy to kill her parents during a dacoity at their Baner Road bungalow. The incident occurred on the intervening night of January 10 and 11, and Khedkar has expressed serious concerns about the police's inability to arrest the culprits and recover stolen property.
Details of the Alleged Poisoning and Dacoity
In her email dated January 16, Khedkar detailed that the culprits, including domestic help Hikmat Singh who was recruited by her family just twelve days before the incident, allegedly poisoned her parents, driver, and watchman. She claimed they were given an excessive dose of sleeping pills mixed in the dinner, leading to severe medical consequences.
As a result of this poisoning, her parents were admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital, where they remained unconscious and in a coma for three days. While her father has since recovered, her mother's condition remains critical, according to the email. The driver and watchman were treated at the state-run Sassoon General Hospital, highlighting the widespread impact of the incident.
Khedkar's Formal Request to Police Commissioner
In her communication, Khedkar made a humble request to Commissioner Kumar, urging him to personally oversee the matter. She emphasized the need for ensuring the arrest of the culprits, recovery of stolen property, and establishing whether there was an attempt to kill her parents at the behest of some individual. This request underscores the gravity of the allegations and the perceived lack of progress in the case.
Police Response and Investigation Status
Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed to TOI that the police have received the email and have suo motu registered the case, with a team thoroughly investigating the matter. Senior inspector Uttam Bhajnawale of the Chatushrungi police provided an update, stating that one suspect has been arrested, but others are believed to have fled to their hometown in Nepal.
Bhajnawale noted that the police have requested the Khedkar family to record a detailed statement for further probe and admitted that, as of now, they do not know what valuables were stolen during the dacoity.
Arrests and Family's Frustration
In a related development, the police have arrested Hikmat's father, Khammo Veerbahadur Shahi (40), from Kalyan in Thane district. Investigations revealed that the domestic help and his six aides, suspected to be behind the dacoity, met Shahi after the crime, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Expressing frustration, Puja's father, retired government officer Dilip Khedkar, told TOI that it is surprising there is no progress in the case despite providing all necessary information to the police. He mentioned that details such as suspect descriptions, phone information, and crucial inputs like the main culprit's name, ID card, photograph, and passport were shared immediately.
Dilip Khedkar further highlighted that the family has been sending real-time locations of stolen cellphones continuously, and the main culprit traveled nearly 2,000 kilometers, crossing state borders, yet the police failed to apprehend him. This statement reflects the family's growing concern over the effectiveness of the investigation.
The case continues to unfold as authorities work to address the serious allegations and bring those responsible to justice.
