Former IAS Probationer's Mother Manorama Khedkar Granted Interim Bail in Kidnapping Case

Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar and mother Manorama Khedkar

Mumbai:

Manorama Khedkar, mother of former Indian Administrative Service probationer Puja Khedkar, has received interim bail until the next hearing on October 13 from a local court in Navi Mumbai regarding a kidnapping case.

Manorama Khedkar had been evading authorities following accusations that she and her family abducted a truck cleaner.

Her legal representatives appeared before the additional district court in Belapur today requesting anticipatory bail. While interim bail was granted, the main hearing is set for October 13, with the police's formal response still pending.

The incident originated from a road rage encounter in early September on Navi Mumbai's Mulund-Airoli Road. A cement mixer truck reportedly made contact with an SUV, after which the SUV occupants allegedly forced the truck cleaner to a bungalow in Pune. This property was reportedly connected to the Khedkar family.

Law enforcement tracked the kidnapped individual's location to the Pune bungalow. However, Manorama Khedkar allegedly denied police entry to the premises and released guard dogs on the property.

Authorities subsequently filed multiple first information reports (FIRs) - for kidnapping in Navi Mumbai and for obstructing public servants in Pune. The family's bodyguard, Praful Salunkhe, has been taken into custody in relation to this case.

In her bail application, Manorama Khedkar claimed she was being falsely implicated and promised to assist with the investigation. The court approved her petition, providing protection from arrest.

According to police sources, their response to the court before the October 13 hearing will include forensic and technical evidence documenting the SUV's route and establishing the event timeline. They suggested additional charges might be filed later.