Pimpri Chinchwad police have busted a large-scale ganja smuggling racket allegedly operated by infamous criminal Kalyani Deshpande, also known as the ‘Lady Don’. Acting on a tip-off, the anti-narcotics cell arrested three of her close associates and seized more than 20 kilograms of ganja, valued at over ₹11 lakh, from her shop and residence in the Bavdhan-Sus Road area.
The operation unfolded after Assistant Police Inspector Vikram Gaikwad of the crime branch received credible information about illegal ganja sales being conducted from the “Kalyani Collection” garments store and a nearby flat. During a swift raid led by Senior Inspector Santosh Patil, police recovered 20.73 kg of ganja, three mobile phones, and cash from the premises.
Kalyani Deshpande, also known as Jayashree Deshpande, has a criminal history spanning over two decades, with more than two dozen cases registered against her. These include charges under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA), the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), murder, and financial fraud.
She was previously convicted and sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in 2016—a rare case involving both PITA and MCOCA—and was released on bail in 2023-24. Kalyani is also known for running a sex trafficking network from her bungalow in Sus and allegedly has links to organized crime syndicates.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode confirmed the ongoing search for Kalyani and emphasized the department’s commitment to dismantling such criminal networks. The bust is being hailed as a major victory in the fight against narcotics and organized crime in Pune’s rapidly growing suburbs.
This high-profile bust is expected to intensify the crackdown on drug trafficking and related criminal activities in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Police are analyzing seized devices and financial records to trace the broader network and prevent further illegal operations.
