In a late-night raid, Pune Police busted a high-end drug party at a luxury studio apartment in the city’s Koregaon Park area. Among those detained was Girish Chaudhary, son-in-law of senior Maharashtra politician Eknath Khadse. Police seized cocaine, marijuana, hookah pots, and liquor during the operation, sparking fresh debate on drug abuse among privileged circles.
Nine people, including businessmen and a builder, have been booked under the NDPS Act.
The raid took place around 2:30 AM after officials received a tip-off about a private party being held at the suite. Police entered the premises and found narcotics being openly consumed. Items recovered included small packets of cocaine, rolling papers, hookahs, cannabis, and bottles of alcohol.
Initial testing confirmed the presence of banned substances, and further forensic evaluation is underway.
Girish Chaudhary’s presence at the party has raised eyebrows, particularly due to his political connections. He is married to Eknath Khadse’s daughter, making the incident politically sensitive. Others arrested include a known builder and local entrepreneurs, all between the ages of 28 and 40.
Police say this was not a one-off event. The apartment had reportedly been rented multiple times before for private gatherings.
All nine accused have been booked under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Their blood samples have been collected, and further questioning is ongoing to determine the supply chain behind the seized drugs.
Authorities also plan to trace the peddlers and suppliers linked to the group. The property owner is being questioned regarding repeated bookings of the flat for similar late-night events.
Drug abuse in India’s urban pockets is not new, but what’s worrying is the involvement of individuals with influence and wealth. Tier 2 cities like Pune are increasingly becoming hotspots for such activity, hidden behind private venues and elite circles.
This incident also puts a spotlight on the challenges police face in curbing recreational drug use in affluent areas where such cases are often hushed up.
The Pune drug party bust is more than just another raid—it points to a growing, underground culture that blends money, influence, and illegal substances. With political connections now in the spotlight, the case is being closely followed. Whether it leads to accountability or fades into headlines remains to be seen.