Ex-IAS Probationer’s Mother Accused of Using Dogs to Obstruct Police in Truck Driver Abduction Case

Quick Summary

• Manorama Khedkar, mother of former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, allegedly helped two accused in the abduction of truck driver Prahlad Kumar evade police.
• The driver was abducted on September 13, 2025, after his concrete mixer truck brushed against a Land Cruiser SUV on Mulund-Airoli Road in Navi Mumbai.
• The two accused identified are Dilip Khedkar (Puja’s father) and Praful Salunkhe (bodyguard).
• Mr. Kumar was rescued from Puja’s bungalow in Pune on September 14 within hours of the abduction.
• Despite police presence at the bungalow, Manorama refused to cooperate and allowed the suspects to flee.
• She allegedly unleashed “ferocious” dogs to intimidate police and removed evidence from the premises while promising cooperation that never occurred.
• A case has been filed against her under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),including obstructing public officials during duty.
• On September 15, a joint team of Pune Police and Navi Mumbai Police revisited her premises but found her missing.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This incident underscores challenges faced by law enforcement agencies when influential individuals interfere with legal proceedings or obstruct justice. Public servants being intimidated or misled by private citizens raises concerns about accountability structures when authoritative figures circumvent laws meant for public safety. It highlights potential loopholes that could delay judicial processes in cases involving politically or socially powerful entities. The swift rescue operation demonstrates some trust in coordinated inter-agency policing; though, further investigations would determine whether systemic reforms are necessary to prevent such incidents from recurring.

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