'Missing Khedkars' Drama Drags On. Cops Issue Lookout For Puja's Parents

Mumbai: Authorities in both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai have issued a lookout notice for Dilip and Manorama Khedkar, parents of former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, who gained notoriety last year for falsifying physical disability claims and fabricating backward classes certification to secure passage through the IAS examination.

The notice stems from a recent road incident in Navi Mumbai where a concrete mixer collided with the Khedkar family's luxury SUV. What began as a traffic accident escalated dramatically when Dilip Khedkar and his security personnel, Praful Salunkhe, allegedly abducted the truck driver's 22-year-old assistant, PK Chauhan, demanding financial restitution. Chauhan later reported receiving death threats during his ordeal.

Authorities eventually located and rescued Chauhan from the Khedkars' Pune residence, where he had been confined to servants' quarters. However, both Dilip and Manorama Khedkar were nowhere to be found at the property.

READ | Puja Khedkar's Father Kidnapped Trucker Over Damage Of Rs 2-Crore SUV

The couple has evaded authorities for nine days, with speculation they may have fled India entirely.

In a previous encounter with law enforcement, Manorama Khedkar prevented police from entering their property after they tracked the truck driver there. She promised to bring the accused to the local station by 3 pm, which prompted officers to depart. When she failed to fulfill this promise and police returned, she reportedly released guard dogs to deter them.

READ | Cops Went To Puja Khedkar Home Looking For Trucker, Found Dogs

Upon returning 24 hours later, authorities discovered Manorama had also disappeared from the premises.

READ | Missing Driver Rescued From Sacked IAS Officer Puja Khedkar's Home

Dilip Khedkar vanished shortly after the abduction; according to reports, he and his bodyguard imprisoned Chauhan in their residence before departing. The bodyguard, who was subsequently arrested, informed police that he drove Dilip to Ahmednagar before they separated.

READ | Puja Khedkar Family's Bodyguard Arrested In Kidnapping Case

Sources indicate police are also investigating a fourth individual whose identity remains undisclosed.

The Khedkar family has been embroiled in multiple controversies in recent years. Last year, footage went viral showing Manorama Khedkar displaying a firearm during a land dispute altercation. The video generated public outrage and led to her arrest in Hirkaniwadi village, Raigad.

In May, the Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar, stipulating that if arrested, she could be released upon providing Rs 35,000 cash surety.