Missing Truck Driver After Road Rage, Found Locked At Sacked IAS Officer Puja Khedkar’s Pune Home

Manorama Khedkar, mother of suspended IAS officer Puja Khedkar, is under investigation for obstructing police during a kidnapping rescue operation in Pune. Her actions delayed the investigation, leading to her summons by Rabale Police.

In a dramatic twist, the mother of suspended IAS officer Puja Khedkar found herself embroiled in controversy. The Rabale Police tracked down a kidnapped driver to her Pune home, where she allegedly hindered the rescue mission. Manorama Khedkar, Puja's mother, has been summoned for further questioning.

The incident unfolded when a mixer truck driven by 22-year-old Pralhad Kumar collided with a car on Mulund–Airoli Road. The car bore the registration number MH-12 RT-5000. Following this minor accident, two men from the car allegedly forced Kumar into their vehicle under the pretense of taking him to a police station.

Police Investigation and Rescue Operation

Instead of heading to a police station, Kumar was taken nearly 150 kilometers away to Pune and locked inside a room. Despite this ordeal, he managed to file a complaint, prompting local police to register a kidnapping case. The investigation led officers to Puja Khedkar's residence in Pune, where they found the vehicle involved in the incident.

The rescue operation at Puja's home was not without its challenges. Police officials reported that Manorama Khedkar created chaos by refusing to open the door and obstructing their efforts. Her actions delayed the rescue and hampered the ongoing investigation.

Legal Implications for Manorama Khedkar

As a result of her interference, Manorama has been directed to appear before Rabale Police for questioning. Additionally, Chaturshringi Police Station in Pune is preparing to file a separate case against her for obstructing government officials during their duty.

The vehicle involved in this incident is registered under Puja Automobile, which is linked to the Khedkar family. Meanwhile, the two unidentified men accused of abducting Kumar remain at large. A case has been filed against them under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Puja Khedkar's Troubled Past

This controversy adds another layer of trouble for the Khedkar family. Earlier this year, Puja Khedkar faced suspension over alleged misuse of privileges and discrepancies in her service records. Now, with her mother facing allegations of obstructing an investigation, the family remains under scrutiny for negative reasons.

Puja Khedkar is known as a 2023-batch IAS officer from Maharashtra cadre who made headlines in 2024 after being transferred from Pune to Washim due to inappropriate demands and indiscipline. She had also unauthorizedly installed a beacon and Maharashtra state government insignia on her luxury Audi car.

Ongoing Investigation

Puja was accused of wrongfully availing Other Backward Class (OBC) benefits and disability concessions to secure her position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). The police have stated that further investigation is ongoing and statements from all parties involved will be recorded in the coming days.