Puja Khedkar's Father Kidnapped Truck Helper To Pay For Damage To Rs 2-Crore SUV: Cops
Dilip Khedkar, father of sacked IAS officer Puja Khedkar, and his bodyguard had kidnapped the truck driver rescued from their home in Pune because their luxury SUV had collided with the truck and they wanted him to compensate for the damage.
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Police report that Manorama Khedkar released dogs on officers attempting to rescue the abducted helper.
Mumbai:
Dilip Khedkar, the father of dismissed IAS officer Puja Khedkar, alongside his bodyguard, abducted a truck helper from their Pune residence following a collision between their luxury SUV and the truck. According to police statements on Monday, the kidnapping was motivated by their demand for compensation for damages to their vehicle.
Authorities revealed that both Dilip Khedkar and his wife, Manorama, appear to have fled after initially promising to present themselves at the police station. Manorama Khedkar allegedly unleashed dogs on police officers who arrived to rescue the 22-year-old victim, Prahlad Kumar, resulting in charges being filed against her.
The incident began when a cement mixer collided with the Khedkars' Land Cruiser - valued at over Rs 2 crore - in which Dilip Khedkar and his bodyguard Praful Salunkhe were traveling near Airoli in Navi Mumbai. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Kumar forcibly placed into the luxury vehicle before being driven away. Kumar was subsequently taken to the Khedkars' residence in Pune's Chaturshringi area, where he was allegedly detained and assaulted.
"Dilip Khedkar and his bodyguard were occupying the vehicle during the accident. They kidnapped the truck's helper because they wanted financial compensation from him for damages to their SUV," stated Deputy Commissioner of Police Pankaj Dahane.
Officials explained that the truck owner reported Kumar missing, and based on witness testimonies, police located the Khedkar residence in Chaturshringi. There, Manorama Khedkar reportedly behaved inappropriately toward officers and released a dog to attack the police team. A notice attached to the house was also destroyed.
Despite these obstacles, police successfully rescued Kumar. The Khedkars informed authorities they would visit the police station the following day.
Charges were filed against Mrs. Khedkar for obstructing government work, destroying evidence, providing false information, and attempting to protect an accused individual from punishment.
Family Disappearance, Including SUV
When police returned to the residence Monday morning, they questioned staff members and confiscated a phone, but discovered the Khedkar family and their luxury SUV were missing. Officials suspect Dilip and Manorama Khedkar are evading authorities.
Their daughter, Puja Khedkar, gained notoriety last year for demanding privileges such as a vehicle beacon during her probationary IAS posting. Investigations revealed she had changed her surname, falsified disability claims, and forged certificates of backward class status to secure admission to civil services.
She was subsequently terminated and permanently barred from taking the civil service examination.
Previously, Manorama Khedkar had threatened farmers with a pistol during a land dispute.