Puja Khedkar IAS Robbery: The Shocking Home Invasion That Shook Pune

Drama at sacked IAS Puja Khedkar’s home: Family allegedly tied up, drugged & robbed — how it unfolded

In the quiet, upscale neighborhood of Baner in Pune, a chilling crime has sent shockwaves through the community. Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar—a name already steeped in controversy—has become the alleged victim of a brazen and disturbing home invasion. The incident, which reportedly involved her being drugged, tied up, and robbed alongside her parents, reads like a scene from a thriller. But this is real life, and the details are as unsettling as they are perplexing.

The Puja Khedkar IAS robbery case has not only raised serious questions about personal security but has also reignited public scrutiny of Khedkar’s own past. How did this happen? Who was behind it? And what does this mean for a city grappling with its own complex safety narrative?

Table of Contents

The Alleged Incident: A Night of Terror in Baner

According to initial police reports, the drama unfolded at Khedkar’s Baner Road residence. She alleges that a recently hired domestic help from Nepal orchestrated a sophisticated attack. The helper is accused of administering a sedative to Khedkar and her parents, Dilip and Manorama Khedkar, before binding them with ropes .

While the family was incapacitated, the perpetrator allegedly made off with a significant amount of valuables, including gold ornaments, cash, and multiple mobile phones . In a remarkable display of resilience, Khedkar managed to free herself from her restraints and immediately alerted the authorities, triggering a swift police response .

Who is Puja Khedkar? A Controversial Past

To understand the full context of this Puja Khedkar IAS robbery, one must look at her history. Khedkar was a probationary IAS officer whose career was cut short amidst a major scandal. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) found her guilty of serious misconduct, including the alleged forgery of certificates and misrepresentation of information to avail of quota benefits [[11], [14]].

Her service was officially terminated in September 2024, a decision that followed a series of inquiries and show-cause notices from the central government . This background has inevitably led to public skepticism and a more critical eye being cast on her recent allegations. In fact, just months before this robbery, she was in the news for allegedly trying to influence a police investigation to secure the release of a theft-accused family member .

This complex history makes the current case far more than a simple burglary; it’s a story layered with questions of credibility and motive.

Police Investigation and Arrests

The Pune Police have treated the case with urgency. Their investigation has already led to the arrest of eight individuals connected to the crime . Notably, in a separate but related development in July 2025, a five-member house robbery gang operating in the Baner area was busted by the police, with stolen items like gold and mobile phones recovered—items that match the description of those taken from Khedkar’s home .

The police are now working to establish a definitive link between these arrested gangs and the specific incident at Khedkar’s bungalow. The investigation is focusing on the domestic help’s connections and whether this was a lone-wolf act or part of a larger, organized criminal network.

Broader Implications for Pune’s Safety

This high-profile case has sparked a wider conversation about safety in Pune, particularly in affluent areas like Baner. While official data for 2025 shows a general decline in violent crimes like murder across the city—a drop from 101 cases in 2023 to 79 in 2025 —there remains a persistent undercurrent of concern regarding property crimes and targeted home invasions .

The incident serves as a stark reminder that no neighborhood is immune. It underscores the critical importance of thorough background checks for domestic staff, a vulnerability that many households often overlook. For residents of Pune, this case is a call to action for enhanced personal and home security measures.

Conclusion: A Complex Web of Crime and Controversy

The Puja Khedkar IAS robbery is a multifaceted story that blends a terrifying personal ordeal with a backdrop of past controversy. On one hand, it’s a distressing account of a family being violated in their own home. On the other, it’s an event that cannot be divorced from Khedkar’s own troubled history with the law and the civil services.

As the Pune Police continue their meticulous investigation, the public awaits clarity. Was this a random, opportunistic crime, or is there a deeper, more sinister connection to Khedkar’s past? Regardless of the outcome, the case has already left an indelible mark on the city’s psyche and serves as a powerful lesson in vigilance for all.

Sources

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top