Pune/Navi Mumbai: A massive manhunt is underway for the parents of sacked IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who have been missing for over 100 hours after being accused of abducting and assaulting a truck driver following a road rage incident in Maharashtra.
The Navi Mumbai and Pune Police have formed joint special teams to trace Dilip and Manorama Khedkar, who vanished soon after the incident came to light. Their daughter, Puja Khedkar, was recently in the news after being dismissed from IAS training amid allegations of misrepresentation and misuse of privileges.
Incident Sparked by Minor Road Collision
The controversy erupted on September 13, when a concrete mixer truck allegedly brushed against a Toyota Land Cruiser on the Mulund-Airoli Road. The SUV was carrying Dilip Khedkar, a retired Maharashtra government officer, and his bodyguard Praful Salunkhe.
According to the police, Prahlad Kumar (22), the truck’s cleaner, was forcibly taken from the scene by the duo under the pretext of going to the police station. Instead, he was allegedly abducted and transported to the Khedkars’ residence in Baner, Pune.
Truck Cleaner Rescued from Khedkar Home
On the following day, September 14, acting on a kidnapping complaint filed at Rabale police station, the Navi Mumbai Police raided the Pune residence and rescued Prahlad Kumar, who was reportedly confined and assaulted.
Investigations later confirmed that the SUV involved in the incident was registered under Manorama Khedkar, Puja’s mother. She allegedly interfered with police efforts, released ferocious dogs on officers, and helped the accused escape before law enforcement could detain them.
Phones Off, No Digital Activity Since Sunday
Authorities have so far been unable to trace the Khedkar family. Their phones have been switched off, and no online financial activity has been recorded since Sunday, leading police to suspect that the family is deliberately staying off the grid.
CCTV footage from the vicinity of the Baner bungalow is under analysis to determine which vehicle the accused used to flee.
Multiple FIRs and Legal Action Initiated
The Navi Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against Dilip Khedkar, Manorama Khedkar, and their bodyguard Praful Salunkhe under charges of abduction, assault, and unlawful confinement.
Meanwhile, Pune Police have filed a separate case for obstruction of justice and preventing police from entering the premises. Law enforcement sources suggest that the accused may be planning to seek anticipatory bail and are likely in hiding until a legal safeguard is secured.
Political Past and Public Spotlight
Dilip Khedkar has previously contested state and national elections but remained unsuccessful. His daughter, Puja Khedkar, was sacked from IAS training after a series of controversies involving falsified disability claims, misuse of VIP privileges, and irregularities in her application process.
The high-profile nature of the case has further intensified the search, with state intelligence inputs and cross-district coordination aiding the ongoing operation.
Case Timeline: Key Developments
- Sept 13: Road accident involving truck and Land Cruiser; abduction of Prahlad Kumar
- Sept 14: Kumar rescued from Khedkars’ Pune home; FIR filed
- Sept 15: Manorama Khedkar obstructs police entry; family absconds
- Sept 18: Search enters 5th day; special teams deployed
