Manorama Khedkar Denies Involvement in Truck Helper Kidnapping Case as Investigation Continues

Manorama Khedkar spoke to the media on Thursday addressing allegations against her in a kidnapping case.

The mother of former IAS probationer Pooja Khedkar firmly denied any involvement in the alleged abduction of a truck helper and obstruction of police investigation. During her media address after being questioned at Rabale police station, she claimed she was being "targeted" and "accused" by law enforcement despite her cooperation.

"I am cooperating with the police in their investigation, yet I am being accused and targeted," stated Manorama Khedkar. "I have committed no crime, so I have nothing to fear. I have no involvement in this matter."

She emphasized that legal proceedings were underway and questioned why she wouldn't cooperate with authorities, pointing to her voluntary appearance for questioning. "The court process is ongoing. Why wouldn't I cooperate? I am coming to the police station for questioning," she said.

The Belapur Court in Navi Mumbai has granted Manorama interim bail, with the next hearing on her bail application scheduled for October 13.

During proceedings related to her husband Dilip Khedkar's bail request, Navi Mumbai Police informed the court that Manorama was deliberately impeding the investigation.

A Navi Mumbai court rejected Dilip Khedkar's anticipatory bail application on Wednesday. Police opposed his bail, alleging that both Dilip and Manorama tampered with evidence by removing CCTV footage, concealing their SUV, and hiding the victim's mobile phone, according to PTI reports.

Authorities also claimed Manorama strategically appeared for questioning after sunset to exploit legal restrictions against interrogating women at night, thus delaying the investigation. She has since been arriving at times that allow her statement to be recorded before nightfall.

Manorama Khedkar faces multiple criminal allegations spanning the past 15 months, including a land dispute incident that went viral and led to arrests and arms act charges in 2024. The current case involves alleged road rage following a minor collision on the Mulund-Airoli road in Navi Mumbai.

According to police, the incident escalated on September 13 when a cement-mixer truck grazed an SUV owned by Dilip Khedkar. Police allege the truck's helper, identified as Prahlad Kumar, was subsequently taken to the Khedkars' Pune bungalow and held captive there.

Law enforcement officials claim they faced obstruction when attempting to search for the helper. Reports indicate Manorama prevented officers from entering the property and allegedly released dogs to intimidate them. The helper was eventually located and rescued after authorities tracked his phone signal to Pune.