Incident Log: Road Rage Kidnapping Involving Dilip and Manorama Khedkar
Date of Incident
September 13, 2025
Location
- Initial Incident: Mulund-Airoli Road, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Rescue Location: Khedkar Family Bungalow, Baner, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Summary
On September 13, 2025, a road rage incident in Navi Mumbai led to the kidnapping of a 22-year-old truck helper, Prahlad Kumar, after his concrete mixer truck brushed against a Land Cruiser SUV. The SUV was linked to Puja Automobiles, registered at the Pune residence of suspended IAS officer Puja Khedkar. Investigations revealed that Puja Khedkar’s father, Dilip Khedkar, a retired Maharashtra government officer, was a passenger in the SUV, driven by his bodyguard, Praful Salunkhe. The victim was forcibly taken to the Khedkar family bungalow in Pune, where he was rescued by police on September 14, 2025. Manorama Khedkar, Puja’s mother, faces an FIR for obstructing police and allegedly unleashing dogs on officers during the rescue operation.
Timeline of Events
September 13, 2025 (Evening):
- A minor collision occurred between Prahlad Kumar’s concrete mixer truck and a Land Cruiser SUV on Mulund-Airoli Road, Navi Mumbai.
- An argument ensued between Kumar and the SUV’s occupants, identified as Dilip Khedkar and his bodyguard, Praful Salunkhe.
- Kumar was allegedly assaulted and forced into the SUV under the pretext of being taken to a police station but was instead transported approximately 150 km to the Khedkar family bungalow in Pune.
- The truck owner, Vilas Dengare, lodged a complaint with Rabale Police Station, prompting a kidnapping case under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
September 14, 2025:
- Navi Mumbai Police, using technical evidence (likely vehicle registration and GPS tracking), traced Kumar to the Khedkar family bungalow in Baner, Pune.
- A joint team of Navi Mumbai and Pune Police (Chatushrungi Police Station) arrived at the bungalow to rescue Kumar.
- Manorama Khedkar allegedly obstructed police entry for over an hour, refused to open the gate, photographed the FIR, and promised to produce the accused (Dilip Khedkar and Praful Salunkhe) by 3 p.m. at Chatushrungi Police Station—a promise she did not fulfill.
- Manorama reportedly unleashed two “ferocious” dogs, one of which charged at a policeman, complicating the rescue operation.
- Kumar was successfully rescued from the bungalow and returned to Navi Mumbai.
- The SUV was briefly shifted out of the premises during the police visit, and the bungalow was later found locked.
September 15, 2025:
- Pune City Police registered an FIR against Manorama Khedkar under Sections 221 (obstructing a public servant), 238, and 263 of the BNS for her role in obstructing the investigation and aiding the accused’s escape.
- Navi Mumbai Police updated the kidnapping FIR to include Dilip Khedkar and Praful Salunkhe as accused, who remain absconding along with the SUV.
Key Individuals Involved
- Prahlad Kumar: 22-year-old truck helper, resident of Turbhe MIDC, Navi Mumbai; victim of the kidnapping.
- Dilip Khedkar: Retired Maharashtra government officer, father of Puja Khedkar, passenger in the SUV, accused of kidnapping, currently absconding.
- Praful Salunkhe: Bodyguard and driver of the SUV, accused of kidnapping, currently absconding.
- Manorama Khedkar: Mother of Puja Khedkar, accused of obstructing police and aiding the accused’s escape, faces FIR.
- Puja Khedkar: Suspended IAS officer (2023 batch), dismissed for fraudulent OBC and disability quota claims; not directly implicated in this incident but linked via family and property.
Legal Actions
- Navi Mumbai Police (Rabale Police Station):
- FIR filed under Section 137(2) of BNS (kidnapping) against Dilip Khedkar and Praful Salunkhe.
- Ongoing investigation to apprehend the absconding accused and recover the SUV.
- Pune Police (Chatushrungi Police Station):
- FIR filed against Manorama Khedkar under BNS Sections 221, 238, and 263 for obstructing a public servant and related charges.
- Notice issued to Manorama Khedkar to appear for questioning; she was not found at the residence during follow-up visits.
- No Arrests: As of September 16, 2025, no arrests have been made in connection with the kidnapping or obstruction charges.
Additional Context
- Motive: Police suspect Dilip Khedkar and Praful Salunkhe abducted Kumar to demand compensation for alleged damage to the Land Cruiser, valued at over ₹2 crore.
- Khedkar Family Controversies:
- Puja Khedkar was dismissed from the IAS in September 2024 for cheating and misusing OBC/disability quotas in the UPSC exam.
- Manorama Khedkar faced prior scrutiny for allegedly threatening farmers with a pistol in a 2024 land dispute video.
- Police Statements:
- Senior Inspector Balkrushna Sawant (Rabale Police): Confirmed Kumar’s rescue and Manorama’s obstruction, including the dog incident.
- Deputy Commissioner of Police Pankaj Dahane (Zone 1): Noted the SUV’s registration to Puja Automobiles and the kidnapping motive tied to vehicle damage.
- Senior Inspector Uttam Bhajnawale (Chatushrungi Police): Reported the bungalow was locked during a follow-up visit, with Manorama absent.
Current Status
- Victim: Prahlad Kumar was rescued and is safe in Navi Mumbai.
- Accused: Dilip Khedkar and Praful Salunkhe are absconding; the SUV remains missing.
- Manorama Khedkar: Faces charges for obstruction and aiding the accused; summoned for questioning but currently unavailable.
- Investigation: Ongoing by Navi Mumbai and Pune Police to identify additional motives, locate the accused, and recover the vehicle.
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