The son-in-law of a prominent NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse, Pranjal Khewalkar, is facing serious allegations of involvement in human trafficking. The allegations were made by Rupali Chakankar, the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women on Thursday. This development follows Khewalkar's recent arrest in connection with a drug-related case.

According to Chakankar, hundreds of objectionable videos and photos of women were discovered on Khewalkar's mobile phone, which has led to the suspicion of a potential human trafficking racket. Chakankar has urged the Pune police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and file charges against Khewalkar related to human trafficking. The commission has formally requested that the Director General of Police establish a special investigation team to probe the "rave party" with specific attention to "forced prostitution" and human trafficking angles.

Chakankar stated that a hidden folder on Khewalkar's phone contained 252 videos and 1,497 photos depicting vulgar or indecent acts, alleging that these materials were used to blackmail the women. She has called for a comprehensive investigation into the accused's mobile phones, emails, and financial transactions.

The Pune police's crime branch had previously raided an apartment in the Kharadi area last month, arresting seven individuals, including Khewalkar. Suspected cocaine, marijuana, hookah set-ups, and liquor were found at the scene.

Reportedly, Khewalkar booked hotel rooms under his name on at least 28 occasions, during which he allegedly lured migrant women with false promises of employment. The commission seeks to verify mobile data, booking details, messages, and call logs through the Cyber Crime Cell. The Anti-Human Trafficking team is expected to scrutinize victim profiles, patterns of targeting, attendees of parties, and connections to other involved individuals.

In response to the allegations, Eknath Khadse has refuted the charges, claiming them to be part of a conspiracy. He stated that the police have not informed the family about any of the claims made by Chakankar. Khadse has urged that if his son-in-law is found to be involved, he should be punished, but cautioned against defamation without concrete evidence. He also said that the police have told the court that it was not a rave party and that his son-in-law had not taken drugs.

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has stated that a detailed investigation report has already been sent to the women's commission. The police have informed the court about the recovery of objectionable videos and chat messages from Khewalkar's phone, including a message requesting "such stuff" accompanied by videos of young women, allegedly sent to a co-accused.

Khewalkar's legal counsel has argued that the raid was a "civil suit-style trap" and suggested that evidence may have been planted, alleging a political conspiracy behind the case. While the police requested an extension of custody, the court rejected the plea and granted a 14-day judicial remand.

This is not the first time a son-in-law of an NCP leader has been embroiled in controversy. In 2021, the son-in-law of NCP minister Nawab Malik was arrested in a drug trafficking case.