Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 8: Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) Chairperson Rupali Chakankar on Thursday levelled serious allegations against Pranjal Khewalkar, son-in-law of senior NCP (SP) leader and former BJP minister Eknath Khadse, claiming that hundreds of objectionable photos and videos of women were recovered from his mobile phone. She urged police to investigate a possible human trafficking racket linked to the case.

The allegations stem from a recent Pune Crime Branch raid on an upscale apartment in Kharadi, where seven individuals, including Khewalkar, were arrested. Police seized suspected cocaine, marijuana, hookah setups, and liquor during the operation.

Speaking at a press conference, Chakankar revealed that a hidden folder on Khewalkar’s phone contained 252 videos and 1,497 indecent photographs, allegedly used to blackmail women. She stressed the need for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the “rave party” incident with a specific focus on “forced prostitution” and human trafficking. She further demanded scrutiny of the accused’s mobile phones, emails, and financial transactions.

Responding to the allegations, Khadse dismissed them as “rumours and conspiracy,” stating that the police have not communicated any such details to his family. He alleged that Chakankar was targeting the matter because his daughter, Rohini Khadse, heads the women’s wing of NCP (SP) in Maharashtra.

“This is nothing but a politically motivated conspiracy,” Khadse maintained.