Pune: In a startling development, police rescued a missing truck driver from the residence of sacked IAS officer Puja Khedkar (2023 batch, Maharashtra cadre) in Pune’s Chatushringi area. The incident adds fresh trouble for Khedkar, who was dismissed from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) last month following a controversy surrounding her candidature.
Background: Puja Khedkar’s Dismissal
In September, the Centre terminated Puja Khedkar’s IAS appointment after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled her selection. Khedkar was found guilty of cheating by misrepresenting her identity to avail benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas. The UPSC barred her from appearing in the civil services examination for life.
Sacked IAS probationer Puja Khedkar's mother, Manorama, confronts police during rescue of kidnapped truck driver from her home. Constable: 'You're not opening doors, not cooperating.' Mentions 'IPS'—context unclear. #PujaKhedkar #ManoramaKhedkar #IAS #KidnappingCase pic.twitter.com/rHAssQfqZD
— Vijay Kumbhar (@VijayKumbhar62) September 14, 2025
The Incident: Missing Driver Traced to Khedkar’s House
The current case traces back to an accident at the Airoli signal in Navi Mumbai involving a mixer truck and a car with registration number MH 12 RT 5000. The truck driver, Prahlad Kumar, went missing after the collision.
According to police reports, two individuals traveling in the car forcibly made Kumar get into their vehicle and took him away. Subsequent police investigations led them to trace the car to Puja Khedkar’s house in Pune.
Rescue and Police Resistance
The police successfully rescued the kidnapped truck driver from the ex-IAS officer’s home. However, their efforts were met with resistance from Puja Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, who reportedly misbehaved with the police, refused to open the door, and obstructed their action.
Due to her behavior, Manorama Khedkar has been issued a summons and asked to appear at the police station for further questioning.
Previous Controversies Surrounding Khedkar
This is not the first time the Khedkar family has been in the spotlight for controversial reasons. Last year, a video surfaced showing Manorama Khedkar brandishing a gun during a heated land dispute, which resulted in her arrest from Hirkaniwadi village in Raigad, causing significant public outrage.
