A high-profile rave party raid in Pune has stirred up Maharashtra's politics. The action resulted in the arrest of Pranjal Khevalkar, son-in-law of NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader and former minister Eknath Khadse. During the raid, police claimed to have seized narcotics-related substances—ganja, alcohol, a substance resembling 2.7 grams of cocaine, and hookah. The raid was conducted at Khevalkar's apartment in Pune. The case gained further political traction when Eknath Khadse and his daughter Rohini Khadse openly reacted to it.
Rohini defends her husband
Following Pranjal Khevalkar's arrest, his wife, Rohini Khadse, clarified that she would personally represent her husband in court. Rohini, a lawyer by profession, stated that the matter is sub judice, therefore, making public statements on it would not be appropriate. She also posted on social media, expressing her faith in the law and justice system, and wrote that the truth would come out in due time.
Former minister Eknath Khadse has also reacted sharply to the case. He stated that if his son-in-law has been deliberately framed, he will not remain silent. Following this statement, the political temperature in the state has further increased. Many leaders have issued statements, and the case has gradually taken on a political hue.
How and when the matter came to light
Pune police, based on a tip-off, raided a rave party underway in an apartment late Saturday night. During this operation, seven people were arrested, including two women. All the accused were presented in court and subsequently sent to police custody until July 29. The police have registered a case under the NDPS Act and other relevant sections. Since the raid, discussions have intensified in political circles.
Who is Rohini Khadse?
Rohini Khadse is the daughter of senior Maharashtra leader and former minister Eknath Khadse. A lawyer by profession, this is Rohini's second marriage. After divorcing her first husband, she married her childhood friend, Pranjal Khevalkar. Currently, she is the state president of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) women's wing and is playing a very active role in politics.
Rohini completed her law studies with an LLB from a law college in Mumbai and an LLM from Y.M. Law College in Pune. In 2015, she also served as the chairperson of the Jalgaon District Central Cooperative Bank.
Strong electoral experience
Rohini Khadse has experience in the electoral arena in her political career. In 2019, she contested the Maharashtra Assembly elections from Muktainagar on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket, although she faced defeat. Despite this, she did not distance herself from politics. In 2024, she again contested the election from Muktainagar on an NCP (SP) ticket.
The way Rohini has openly come forward and taken charge of the legal battle after the rave party case and Pranjal's arrest may give her a new identity on the political and social front. Now, all eyes are on the court proceedings and the political twists and turns that will unfold in this high-profile case.
