Missing Truck Driver Rescued From Sacked IAS Officer Puja Khedkar’s Pune Residence
Missing Truck Driver Rescued From Sacked IAS Officer Puja Khedkar’s Pune Residence
Fresh controversy has erupted around former IAS officer Puja Khedkar after a missing truck driver was found at her Pune residence, days after a collision in Navi Mumbai. The incident began when a mixer truck collided with a car at the Airoli signal in Navi Mumbai. Soon after the accident, the truck driver, Prahlad Kumar, was reported missing. Eyewitnesses and police reports suggest that two people from the car—bearing the registration number MH 12 RT 5000—forced Kumar into their vehicle and drove away.
Following the disappearance, police launched an investigation that led them to the Chatushringi area of Pune. The car involved in the incident was found parked outside the home of Puja Khedkar, who was dismissed from the Indian Administrative Service in 2024 over charges of fraud and impersonation. Officers entered the premises and successfully rescued the driver.
However, the operation was not without resistance. According to officials, Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, obstructed the rescue. She allegedly refused to cooperate, misbehaved with the police, and tried to prevent them from entering the property. As a result, Manorama has been summoned by authorities for questioning.
This disturbing episode adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding the Khedkar family.
Sacked IAS probationer Puja Khedkar's mother, Manorama, confronts police during rescue of kidnapped truck driver from her home. Constable: 'You're not opening doors, not cooperating.' Mentions 'IPS'—context unclear. #PujaKhedkar #ManoramaKhedkar #IAS #KidnappingCase pic.twitter.com/rHAssQfqZD
— Vijay Kumbhar (@VijayKumbhar62) September 14, 2025
Last year, Puja Khedkar was permanently barred from civil services after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) found her guilty of using forged documents to claim OBC and disability quota benefits. Investigations also revealed that she had impersonated different identities to take the UPSC exam multiple times. Her selection was cancelled, and she was dismissed from service by the Centre.
The family’s troubles don’t end there. In 2024, a video showing Manorama Khedkar waving a firearm during a heated land dispute in Raigad went viral, sparking public outrage. She was later arrested in connection with that case.
While the police have not yet confirmed whether Puja Khedkar herself will be summoned in this latest case, the recovery of the missing driver from her home has certainly raised serious questions.
The investigation is ongoing.
