Old Food, Death Threats: Truck Cleaner 'Kidnapped' By Puja Khedkar's Family

The truck cleaner, who was allegedly kidnapped by former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar's family following a road rage incident in Navi Mumbai last week, reported being confined in a room, given stale food, and threatened with death.

The incident took place on September 13 along the Mulund-Airoli Road in Navi Mumbai when a concrete mixer truck lightly collided with a Land Cruiser, resulting in a confrontation between the truck personnel and occupants of the luxury vehicle who demanded compensation for damages.

Pralhad Kumar Chauhan, the 22-year-old truck cleaner, alleged that he was abducted by Puja Khedkar's father Dilip Khedkar and driver-bodyguard Praful Salunkhe under the guise of being transported to a police station. His mobile phone was confiscated during transit and he was instructed to remain quiet. Subsequently, he was taken to their residence in Pune and held captive in a room typically used for security guards.

According to police sources, Mr. Chauhan stated that he received death threats if the truck owner refused to pay compensation to the Khedkars.

Investigation revealed that Puja Khedkar's mother Manorama Khedkar surrendered the room keys and removed the home's CCTV camera in an apparent attempt to eliminate evidence of the abduction.

Following a complaint filed by the truck owner with Navi Mumbai Police, the truck cleaner was rescued from Pune on Sunday.

While Salunkhe has been apprehended and remanded in police custody until September 23, the Khedkar couple and another individual remain at large.

Authorities have registered a case under section 137(2) (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the accused, with additional sections now including 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 127(7) (wrongful confinement for extortion) and 308(4) (extortion). Pune police have also filed charges against Manorama Khedkar for allegedly impeding police efforts and have issued a notice.

Puja Khedkar stands accused of misrepresenting information in her 2022 UPSC civil services examination application to secure reservation benefits. She has denied all allegations against her.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has initiated multiple actions against Puja Khedkar, including filing a criminal case for attempting to take the civil services examination using a false identity. Delhi Police have registered an FIR against her for various offenses.

After controversy emerged regarding Puja Khedkar's appointment as a probationary IAS officer, footage surfaced last year showing her mother threatening a farmer. Manorama Khedkar was subsequently arrested and later released on bail.