Former IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar’s Driver Arrested In Navi Mumbai Road Rage Case

Driver of Puja Khedkar’s Father Arrested

The driver of former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar’s father, who is currently absconding, was arrested by the Navi Mumbai police. The driver was arrested in connection with the road rage incident in which a truck driver was abducted last week, police said.

Puja Khedkar’s father, Dilip Khedkar, is also wanted in the case.

As per the police, the incident occurred on September 13 on the Mulund-Airoli Road in Navi Mumbai after a concrete mixer truck driven by Prahlad Kumar brushed against a Land Cruiser car, leading to an argument.

As the altercation escalated, Dilip Khedkar and his driver, Praful Salunkhe, abducted the 22-year-old driver into the SUV and took him to the Khedkar bungalow in Pune, police added.

The truck driver was rescued from the bungalow after the police tracked the SUV. However, as the police were trying to enter the bungalow, Puja Khedkar’s mother, Manorama, obstructed their entry and even released dogs on the officials.

“We have arrested Khedkar’s driver Praful Salunkhe, who was involved in the abduction,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Pankaj Dahane told PTI.

The Rabale police have registered a case under section 137(2) (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the accused, including Dilip Khedkar, who is absconding.

The Pune police have also registered a case against Manorama Khedkar, the mother of Puja Khedkar, for allegedly obstructing the police and issued a notice.

Puja Khedkar has been accused of falsifying details in her application for the 2022 UPSC civil services examination to obtain reservation benefits. She denies all the allegations against her.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken several actions against Khedkar, including filing a criminal complaint for attempting to take the civil services exam under a false identity. The Delhi Police have registered an FIR against her for various offenses.

Following the controversy over Puja Khedkar’s appointment as a probationary IAS officer, a video emerged last year showing her mother threatening a farmer. Manorama Khedkar was arrested subsequently and released on bail later.