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

NAVI MUMBAI: In the kidnapping case against Dilip Khedkar, father of dismissed IAS officer Puja Khedkar, and his chauffeur, the Rabale police arrested chauffeur Praful Salunkhe in Dhule on Friday evening, six days after the incident. ACP Rahul Dhas said, “The accused Praful Salunkhe was traced to Dhule using technical expertise. However, the SUV in which the cement mixer truck’s helper, Prahlad Kumar, was kidnapped by Salunkhe and Dilip Khedkar has not been found yet. Dilip Khedkar is still at large and evading arrest.”Also read: Airports, farmhouse, tollbooths: Puja Khedkar’s family 'vanishes' after 'abduction' of truck driver Meanwhile, Dilip Khedkar’s wife, Manorama, has also gone absconding after Rabale police registered an FIR against her at Chatushrungi police station in Pune for preventing a police team from performing their duty when they had gone to her bungalow, from where the kidnapped helper was rescued. The SUV used in the kidnapping is registered under the name of Pooja Automobiles, of which Manorama is the proprietor. 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.