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Pralhad Kumar, a truck driver from Mumbai, was rescued from ex-IAS Puja Khedkar’s Pune residence. Puja’s mother allegedly obstructed police work and created a scene.
Puja Khedkar, a 2022-batch IAS officer, was dismissed for alleged misuse of privileges. (File)
Suspended IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s family landed in fresh controversy after a missing truck driver, who was allegedly kidnapped, was rescued from their Pune residence. The vehicle used for the kidnapping was also traced to the house, as per reports
The case came to light on Saturday when a truck driven by a 22-year-old Mumbai resident, identified as Pralhad Kumar, collided with a vehicle on the Mulund-Airoli road. The two men in the vehicle allegedly forced Kumar inside and took him nearly 150 km away to Pune, India Today reported, citing Pune police.
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Kumar later managed to lodge a police complaint, claiming he was locked inside a room. The police registered a case and began an investigation, during which the vehicle was found parked at the residence of Puja Khedkar. The police team managed to rescue Kumar from the premises.
Puja Khedkar’s Mother Obstructed Police
According to police officials, Puja’s mother Manorama allegedly created a scene at the house by refusing to open the door and misbehaving with the cops. Her actions reportedly delayed the rescue and hampered the investigation.
Manorama has been directed to appear before the Rabale Police for questioning. Furthermore, the Chaturshringi Police Station in Pune is set to file a separate case against her for allegedly obstructing government officials in the course of their duties.
The vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, is registered under Puja Automobile, a business linked to the Khedkar family, India Today reported. This controversy added to the growing troubles of the family after Puja was suspended this year for alleged misuse of privileges.
Meanwhile, the two men who kidnapped Kumar are still at large, and a case has been filed against them under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Who Is Puja Khedkar?
Puja Khedkar, a 2022-batch IAS officer from Maharashtra, was discharged from service by the central government in August 2024 following a series of serious allegations. The controversy began during her probationary posting in Pune, where she reportedly misused her authority by using a private Audi car with a VIP number plate, red beacon, and a ‘Maharashtra Government’ label—despite being unauthorised to do so.
She was also accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the 2022 UPSC civil services examination for availing reservation benefits. She has refuted all the allegations against her. The UPSC initiated a series of actions against Khedkar, including lodging of a criminal case, for availing attempts in the civil services exam by faking her identity.
About the Author
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
September 14, 2025, 23:37 IST
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