Former IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar’s Driver Arrested In Navi Mumbai Road Rage Case

Khedkar’s Driver Arrested: The Navi Mumbai Police have arrested the driver of former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar's father in connection with the road rage incident in which a truck driver was abducted last week, a senior official said on Saturday (September 20, 2025).

The incident occurred on September 13 along the Mulund-Airoli Road in Navi Mumbai. A concrete mixer truck driven by 22-year-old Prahlad Kumar reportedly collided with a Land Cruiser, sparking an argument with the two occupants of the vehicle.

Investigation revealed that Dilip Khedkar and his driver, Praful Salunkhe, forcibly bundled Kumar into the SUV and took him to the Khedkar family bungalow in Pune. Police tracked the vehicle using technical analysis and successfully rescued the truck driver. During the operation, Puja Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, allegedly obstructed the police entry.

Also Read: Multiple Delhi Schools Get Bomb Threats, Police Launch Massive Search Operations

“We have arrested Khedkar’s driver, Praful Salunkhe, who was directly involved in the abduction,” said deputy commissioner of police Pankaj Dahane. The Rabale police have registered a case under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for kidnapping against the accused, including Dilip Khedkar, who is still on the run. Pune police have also filed a case against Manorama Khedkar for obstructing police and issued her a notice.

Puja Khedkar has been accused of misrepresenting facts in her 2022 UPSC civil services examination application to claim reservation benefits. She has denied all allegations. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has lodged a criminal case against her for allegedly attempting to take the exam under a false identity. A separate FIR has also been registered by Delhi Police for related offences.

Also Read: Trump Imposes $100K H-1B Visa Fee From Sept 21: Major Blow To Indian Tech Workers

The controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar gained attention last year when a video surfaced showing her mother threatening a farmer. Manorama Khedkar was later arrested but released on bail.

Also Read: Microsoft Issues Urgent Advisory To Employees After Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Hike