Inside the Pune Rave Raid: Pranjal Khewalkar’s High-Profile Drug Bust
In a shocking revelation that has grabbed national headlines, Pranjal Khewalkar, a known socialite and event promoter from Pune, is now at the center of a major controversy after being allegedly linked to a high-profile rave party busted by Pune Police. The party, which took place at a private farmhouse on the outskirts of the city, involved a large gathering of individuals from various parts of the country — some of them well-known in elite circles.
According to initial reports, police raided the party after receiving credible information about suspected drug usage, loud music violations, and the presence of underage participants. During the raid, narcotics, including MDMA, cocaine, and cannabis, were allegedly found. Authorities also seized high-end luxury vehicles, mobile phones, and large amounts of cash.
Who Is Pranjal Khewalkar?
Pranjal Khewalkar is a well-known figure in Pune’s nightlife circuit. Often seen hosting luxury events, celebrity nights, and private afterparties, he is no stranger to the limelight. However, this time, the attention is far from glamorous. Khewalkar, whose influence spans across entertainment and hospitality, has been accused of organizing the event in collaboration with a few local businessmen and DJs.
Police Statement and Investigation
Speaking to the media, Pune Police Commissioner stated that over 25 individuals were detained, and their blood samples have been sent for forensic testing. Several of them, including women, were reportedly under the influence of illegal substances at the time of the raid. “We are conducting a full investigation, and more names may come forward in the coming days,” the commissioner added.
Authorities are now probing whether the event had ties to an interstate drug supply network, and whether the farmhouse had been used for such events in the past.
The Raid & Arrest
In the early hours of July 27, 2025, Pune Police’s Crime Branch conducted a covert raid on a rave party disguised as a private gathering in a studio flat in Kharadi, Pune. Following a tip-off, officials swooped in and detained seven individuals—including Dr. Pranjal Khewalkar, husband of NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohini Khadse and son-in-law of prominent politician Eknath Khadse.
The police seized cocaine, marijuana, liquor bottles, and hookah setups from the premises. Preliminary field tests confirmed narcotics were in use. The operation took place at what appeared to be an Airbnb or lodge-style flat—booked under DR. Pranjal Khewalkar’s name.
Political Fallout
The involvement of Pranjal Khewalkar sparked intense political repercussions. The NCP (SP) dissociated itself, while Rohini Khadse—head of the party’s women’s wing—faced scrutiny. Eknath Khadse called for an investigation into potential political motives behind the raid. Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Sushma Andhare criticized the action, calling it a message to political dissenters.
Profile of Pranjal Khewalkar
Pranjal Khewalkar is active in real estate, event management, and energy sector businesses, and owns a travel company.
He is Rohini Khadse’s second husband, with the wedding following her divorce from her first husband years earlier
Past controversies include allegations over improper licensing of a Sonata limousine with suspect registration status by a social activist.
Legal Proceedings
All seven detainees, including Dr. Pranjal Khewalkar, were booked under the NDPS Act and related state liquor laws, with forensic testing underway. Medical examinations were conducted to determine drug consumption. The police confirmed a broader investigation to trace suppliers, expose the drug network, and identify other attendees.
Broader Context: Pune Nightlife & Culture
Pune has witnessed growing friction over unauthorized rave parties and drug misuse. Reddit threads highlight rising concerns over teen drug consumption, moral policing, and clashes between nightlife culture and law enforcement. Public sentiment underscores disenchantment with unchecked elite parties and limited policing.
Detailed Incident Breakdown
| Domain | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | July 27, 2025; late-night early hours |
| Location | Studio apartment in upscale Kharadi, Pune—booked under Khewalkar’s name |
| Total Detainees | 7 persons (5 men, 2 women) including Pranjal Khewalkar |
| Seized Items | Cocaine, ganja, liquor bottles, hookah setups |
| Legal Basis | NDPS Act plus Maharashtra Prohibition Act |
| Political Fallout | Scrutiny of NCP (SP), calls to probe political motivation |
| Business Profile | Real estate, energy, events, travel—no prior politics involvement |
| Narrative Tensions | Clash between elite party culture and governance enforcement |
What This Means: Political and Social Implications
A. Political Accountability
The case puts Rohini Khadse—and by extension, the NCP—under scrutiny over integrity and ties to elite privilege and drug misuse.
B. Enforcement & Governance
The raid signals Pune Police’s sharpening stance against clandestine drug parties; yet opposition voices caution against misuse of power to silence dissent.
C. Youth & Cultural Concerns
Local discourse indicates frustration over unchecked late-night parties, drug usage among privileged youth, and lack of consistent local policing.
Closing Remarks
The Pranjal Khewalkar Pune rave party saga goes beyond a routine drug raid—it entwines political networks, legal loopholes, and elite subculture. As authorities probe deeper, the case raises critical questions: Are high-profile political figures above scrutiny? How early must policy makers clamp down on drug-driven nightlife? And what does this say about Pune’s evolving citiescape of privilege, law, and morality?
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