Daijiworld Media Network- Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai, Sep 17: Maharashtra police have intensified their search for the family of dismissed IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, after her father, Dilip Khedkar, and his driver allegedly abducted a truck helper in a road rage incident near Navi Mumbai.

The victim, identified as Prahlad Kumar (22), was forcibly taken into an SUV after it brushed against a concrete mixer truck on the Mulund–Airoli Road last Saturday. He was later rescued from the Khedkar family’s bungalow in Pune. Police named the accused as retired state officer Dilip Khedkar and his bodyguard, Praful Salunkhe.

Search Operation Widens

The Navi Mumbai crime branch has launched a parallel probe, monitoring the family’s financial activities, ATM withdrawals, railway stations, toll booths, and their Pune farmhouse. Immigration authorities have also been alerted.

Rabale police confirmed that three teams have been stationed in Pune for the past three days to track down the suspects. On Tuesday, officials from Chatushrungi and Rabale police stations visited Puja Khedkar’s Baner Road residence to question her mother, Manorama Khedkar, but she was not found.

Senior inspector Uttam Bhajnawale of Chatushrungi police said, “None of the family members was present. Their caretakers alone answered our questions.”

Allegations Against Manorama Khedkar

Police have accused Manorama Khedkar of actively aiding the accused in evading arrest. She allegedly promised to produce them at the police station but later backed out, ensured the car used in the abduction was removed, and even unleashed ferocious dogs to scare officers away.

“She refused to open the gate when police sought her cooperation. She photographed the FIR and assured police that the accused would be produced by 3 pm. However, when contacted later, she bluntly refused to cooperate,” an officer said.

A case has been registered against Manorama Khedkar under Section 221 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for obstructing public servants in the discharge of duty.
Victim Released

Police said Prahlad Kumar was released from the bungalow shortly after officers arrived on Sunday. “Knowing police were outside, the victim was let out, and the gate was slammed shut,” a Chatushrungi officer revealed.

However, by the time police re-entered the premises, both the accused and the SUV involved in the abduction had vanished.

Despite multiple visits to the bungalow, including one where police had to jump over the gate, no arrests have been made so far.