Road Rage Escalates to Kidnapping: Truck Helper Rescued from Suspended IAS Officer’s Pune Residence

A road rage incident on the Mulund-Airoli road in Navi Mumbai took a disturbing turn when a cement mixer helper was abducted and later found at the Pune residence of suspended IAS officer Puja Khedkar. The incident has raised serious concerns about the misuse of power and the involvement of influential individuals in criminal activities.

Incident Details:
On Saturday evening, a minor collision occurred between a cement mixer truck and an SUV at a traffic signal on the Mulund-Airoli road. Following the incident, two individuals from the SUV allegedly forced the truck’s helper, Prahlad Kumar, into their vehicle under the pretext of taking him to the police station. Instead, they drove him approximately 150 kilometers to Pune and confined him in a room.

Investigation and Rescue:
Upon receiving a missing person report, Rabale police initiated an investigation and traced the SUV to a residence in the Chatushringi area of Pune. The vehicle was registered under ‘Puja Automobiles,’ a business entity linked to the Khedkar family. Police teams from both Navi Mumbai and Pune conducted a joint operation and rescued Kumar from the premises. During the operation, Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, allegedly obstructed the police by refusing to open the door and misbehaving with the officers. She has been summoned for questioning, and further legal action is being considered.

Background of Puja Khedkar:
Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer, was dismissed from service in 2024 after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) found her guilty of misrepresenting her identity and wrongfully availing benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas. The UPSC annulled her selection, and she was barred from taking the civil services examination for life.

Legal and Social Implications:
The involvement of a former civil services officer’s family in a kidnapping case has raised questions about accountability and the potential misuse of authority. The incident underscores the need for stringent measures to prevent the abuse of power by individuals with influential backgrounds.

Conclusion:
The kidnapping case in Navi Mumbai has highlighted serious concerns regarding the misuse of power and the involvement of influential individuals in criminal activities. As investigations continue, it is imperative for authorities to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not undermine public trust in the administrative system.