In a startling turn of events that has captured national attention, Navi Mumbai police, while investigating the alleged abduction of a truck driver following a road accident, traced the missing individual to the Pune residence of former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar. The operation, which occurred on September 15, 2025, led to the rescue of the truck driver but also brought Puja Khedkar and her mother, Manorama Khedkar, back into the limelight amidst accusations of obstructing a police investigation. This developing story is now trending as a significant piece of news.
The Navi Mumbai Collision and Alleged Abduction
The incident began on the evening of September 13, 2025, on the Mulund-Airoli road in Navi Mumbai. Prahlad Kumar, a 22-year-old truck helper, was accompanying the driver of a concrete mixer truck when their vehicle allegedly grazed a sports utility vehicle (SUV). Following the minor collision, an argument reportedly escalated, and the two occupants of the SUV allegedly forced Kumar into their vehicle, claiming they were taking him to a police station. Instead, they drove him away, and he was later reported missing. The truck owner filed a kidnapping case with the Rabale police station against unidentified individuals.
Tracing the Vehicle and the Unexpected Residence
Navi Mumbai police launched an intensive search operation, utilizing technical evidence to trace the SUV involved in the incident. Their investigation led them to Pune, specifically to a bungalow owned by Puja Khedkar in the Chaturshringi area. A police team was dispatched to the location on September 14, 2025, to investigate and potentially rescue the abducted driver.
Confrontation and Rescue at Khedkar Residence
Upon arriving at Puja Khedkar’s residence, police encountered Manorama Khedkar, Puja’s mother. Reports indicate that Manorama Khedkar allegedly obstructed the police team’s efforts to enter the property and rescue Prahlad Kumar. Some accounts also suggest that she may have used guard dogs in an attempt to deter the officers. Despite the alleged resistance, the police managed to gain entry and successfully rescued Prahlad Kumar from the premises. He was subsequently brought back to Navi Mumbai.
A History of Controversy: Puja and Manorama Khedkar
This incident adds another chapter to the controversies surrounding the Khedkar family. Puja Khedkar, a former IAS trainee, was dismissed from service in September 2024. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had cancelled her selection and barred her for life from appearing in civil services exams after finding her guilty of misusing reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas, and of faking her identity in multiple examination attempts. Her family, including her mother Manorama, has previously faced legal scrutiny. Manorama Khedkar had been booked in the past for allegedly brandishing a gun during a land dispute and faced charges related to an attempt to murder incident in 2023.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Ramifications
Following the rescue and the alleged obstruction, authorities have taken action. Manorama Khedkar has been booked by the Chaturshringi Police Station in Pune for charges including obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties. The Navi Mumbai police are continuing their investigation to identify the individuals who allegedly abducted Prahlad Kumar, determine their motive, and establish their connection to the Khedkar family. Notices have been issued to Manorama Khedkar, requiring her to appear for questioning.
This complex case, involving an alleged abduction, a high-profile family, and allegations of police obstruction, continues to be a trending news topic as investigators work to unravel the full circumstances.
