Puja Khedkar Family's Bodyguard Arrested In Kidnapping Case, Cops Suspect Parents Fleeing India

Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar's family bodyguard, Praful Salunkhe, was arrested in Maharashtra's Dhule following accusations of kidnapping a truck driver after a road rage incident in Navi Mumbai, officials confirmed.

Salunkhe, who also served as the Khedkar family's driver, appeared before the Navi Mumbai Belapur Court and was placed in police custody for five days.

Puja Khedkar's parents, Dilip and Manorama, remain at large, with authorities suspecting they may have fled the country.

The kidnapping incident occurred earlier this month when a concrete mixer truck operated by 22-year-old Prahlad Kumar accidentally made contact with a Land Cruiser on the Mulund-Airoli Road, sparking a confrontation with the vehicle's occupants. Investigations revealed that Khedkar's father and his bodyguard allegedly forced the truck driver into the SUV and transported him to Khedkar's residence in an attempt to secure compensation for vehicle damages.

When police tracked the truck driver's location, Manorama Khedkar prevented officers from entering the bungalow premises. She subsequently promised to bring the two abduction suspects to Pune's Chatushringi police station by 3 pm. Trusting her assurance, the officers departed from the scene.

After failing to hear from Manorama as promised, she declined further assistance when contacted.

Upon returning to the bungalow, officers discovered the vehicle involved in the crime was missing, along with Khedkar's father and their bodyguard. As they attempted to enter the property, Manorama released two aggressive dogs to intimidate them. The following day, when police revisited the bungalow, they found Manorama had also disappeared.

The truck driver was successfully rescued from the situation.

The Khedkar family has been embroiled in numerous controversies in recent years.

In 2024, Puja Khedkar, while serving as a trainee IAS officer, came under investigation following allegations of power abuse and fraudulent claims in her UPSC application. Months later, viral footage showed Khedkar's mother wielding a gun during a land dispute confrontation, resulting in her arrest. She was subsequently released on bail.