Hunt on for former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar’s family: Navi Mumbai police arrest driver in road rage case; mother, father still absconding

NEW DELHI: Navi Mumbai police have arrested the driver of former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar’s father in connection with a road rage incident that saw a truck driver abducted last week, officials said on Saturday. The driver, identified as Praful Salunkhe, was taken into custody after police traced the SUV used in the abduction to the Khedkar family bungalow in Pune. The truck driver, 22-year-old Prahlad Kumar, was rescued from the bungalow despite Puja Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, allegedly obstructing police entry. Dilip Khedkar, Puja Khedkar’s father, is also wanted in the case and remains absconding, police said. The incident reportedly occurred on September 13 on the Mulund-Airoli Road in Navi Mumbai, when Kumar’s concrete mixer truck brushed against a Land Cruiser, sparking an argument with two occupants of the vehicle. Investigations revealed that Kumar was forced into the SUV and taken to Pune. A case under section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (kidnapping) has been registered against the accused, including Dilip Khedkar.

Pune police have also filed a case against Manorama Khedkar for allegedly obstructing police, and a notice has been issued. Puja Khedkar is currently facing allegations of misrepresenting facts in her 2022 UPSC civil services exam application to avail reservation benefits, which she denies. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has initiated proceedings against her, including lodging a criminal case for allegedly attempting to take the exam under false pretences.

Delhi Police had also registered an FIR against her for multiple offences. The case follows a wider controversy over Khedkar’s appointment as a probationary IAS officer. Last year, a video surfaced showing her mother threatening a farmer; Manorama Khedkar was subsequently arrested and later released on bail.