Dilip Khedkar Refutes Kidnapping Allegations in Road Rage Incident: Complete Investigation Details

Dilip Khedkar, father of former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, has strongly denied the kidnapping allegations made against him following a road rage incident. On Monday, he declared these accusations as "completely false," emphasizing that if an assault had actually occurred, there would be medical evidence to substantiate it.

"All the allegations made against us are completely false. Nothing like what has been claimed actually happened. There is no question of us doing anything like that, because he was a helper. If such an assault had actually taken place, there would have been some medical evidence to prove it," Dilip stated.

The incident reportedly took place last month when a concrete mixer truck operated by 22-year-old Prahlad Kumar made contact with a Land Cruiser on the Mulund-Airoli Road. This led to a confrontation with the vehicle's occupants. According to investigations, Khedkar's father and his bodyguard allegedly forced the truck driver into their SUV and transported him to the Khedkar residence, apparently seeking compensation for vehicle damage.

When police tracked down the truck driver's location, they were reportedly prevented from entering the property by Khedkar's mother, Manorama. She later promised to bring the accused individuals to the Chatushringi police station in Pune by 3 pm, which prompted the officials to leave. However, Manorama subsequently refused to cooperate with the authorities.

Upon returning to the bungalow, officers discovered that the vehicle involved in the alleged incident was missing, along with Dilip Khedkar and the bodyguard. When they attempted to enter the premises, Manorama reportedly released two aggressive dogs to deter them. The following day, when police returned, they found that Manorama had also left the property.

The truck driver was eventually rescued from the situation.

Both Dilip and Manorama have since been granted anticipatory bail in connection with this case.

Earlier this month, Manorama expressed her frustration, claiming she was being "targeted" by law enforcement despite her cooperation. "I am cooperating with the police in the investigation, yet I am being accused, targeted. I have not committed any crime, so there is nothing to fear. I have no involvement in this," she insisted.

The Khedkar family has been embroiled in multiple controversies in recent years. In 2024, their daughter Puja Khedkar came under investigation for alleged misuse of power and false claims in her UPSC candidature. Several months later, a video went viral showing Manorama brandishing a firearm during a land dispute, which led to her temporary arrest.