Pune News: Pimpri Chinchwad Police Bust Drug Racket Linked To Kalyani Deshpande; 20 Kg Ganja Seized
Pune News: Pimpri Chinchwad Police Bust Drug Racket Linked To Kalyani Deshpande; 20 Kg Ganja Seized
In a major crackdown, Pimpri-Chinchwad police busted a ganja smuggling racket allegedly operated by notorious criminal Kalyani Deshpande, also known as the ‘Lady Don’. Acting on a tip-off, the anti-narcotics cell arrested her husband and two relatives, while Kalyani herself remains absconding.
The arrests were made following a raid at the “Kalyani Collection” shop in Bavdhan and her residence. During the operation, police seized 20.73 kilograms of ganja, three mobile phones, and ₹700 in cash — all valued at approximately ₹11.27 lakh.
#Pune News: Pimpri Chinchwad Police Bust #DrugRacket Linked To Kalyani Deshpande; 20 Kg #GanjaSeized
— Pune Pulse (@pulse_pune) May 26, 2025
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The arrested individuals include Umesh Suryakant Deshpande (56), Kalyani’s husband; her niece Ashwarya Abhisekh Ranawade alias Ashwarya Nilesh Deshpande (22); and Ashwarya’s husband, Abhisekh Ranawade (32). Notably, Abhisekh has a criminal history, with prior cases registered at Faraskhana, Vishrambaug, and Market Yard police stations.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode stated that a probe is on to nab Kalyani Deshpande.
Kalyani Deshpande has a long and notorious criminal background. Over the past two decades, she has faced more than two dozen cases, including charges under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA), the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), as well as allegations of murder and financial fraud.
She was also known to have operated a sex trafficking network from her bungalow in the Sus area of Pune, allegedly involving hoteliers and links to organised crime syndicates. In 2016, she was convicted and sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment — a rare case involving both PITA and MCOCA.
The search for Kalyani Deshpande, also known by her alias Jayashree Deshpande, is currently ongoing.
