Pune police have launched an investigation into a bizarre theft reported by former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who alleges that she and her parents were sedated and tied up by a recently hired domestic help before valuables were stolen from their Baner Road bungalow. The incident reportedly occurred late Saturday night.

According to police reports, Khedkar claims the domestic help, who was hired approximately eight days prior to the incident and is reportedly of Nepali origin, administered sedatives to her and her parents, Dilip and Manorama Khedkar, rendering them unconscious. Following this, the accused allegedly tied them up and absconded with their mobile phones and other valuables.

Khedkar stated that after managing to free herself, she contacted the police using an alternative phone. While she reported the incident via phone, authorities have confirmed that as of Sunday, a formal written complaint detailing the specifics of the stolen items has not yet been filed. Despite this, a thorough probe has been initiated. Initial reports suggest the thieves managed to loot jewellery stored in cupboards. The exact value of the stolen items is still being determined.

The incident has raised concerns about security in the Aundh neighborhood, where Khedkar's bungalow is located. Some reports indicate that Khedkar's parents and a security guard were found unconscious at the scene, suggesting they may have been physically assaulted during the break-in. Authorities have stated that the victims are currently stable, but the nature of their injuries has not been fully disclosed.

Puja Khedkar has faced media scrutiny in the past. Last year, her parents were reportedly booked in connection with the alleged abduction of a truck driver following a road rage incident in Navi Mumbai. Khedkar herself has been accused of misrepresenting facts on her 2022 UPSC civil services exam application to gain reservation benefits, allegations she denies. Additionally, in 2024, Khedkar was in the news for allegedly pressuring a Deputy Commissioner of Police to release a man held in a theft case. She was also transferred from Pune to Washim before completing her training due to controversy surrounding demands for a separate cabin and staff.

The investigation into the alleged robbery is ongoing.