Alleged abduction case: Pune police probe how Manorama Khedkar helped her husband, bodyguard flee

The alleged road rage incident took place on September 13 at a traffic junction on Mulund-Airoli road. Prahlad Kumar (22), a resident of Turbhe MIDC in Navi Mumbai, worked as a helper on the concrete mixer truck which brushed a car bearing Pune registration number MH12-RP-5000. Police investigation suggests the two men in the car had an altercation with truck driver Chandrakumar Chavan and Kumar. They then forced Kumar into their vehicle saying they were taking him to the police station. Chavan kept calling Kumar on his phone but there was no reply. A kidnapping case was registered at Rabale police station by Navi Mumbai police based on the complaint of the truck’s owner Vilas Dherange.

An investigation by the Navi Mumbai police revealed the two accused were Puja Khedkar’s father Dilip — a retired Maharashtra government official who has unsuccessfully contested state Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the past — and his bodyguard. As the Navi Mumbai launched a probe, they tracked Kumar to Pune and analysis of technical leads led them to the house of Puja Khedkar, which is in National Society under Chatushrungi police station.

Police said when a team from Rabale police station reached the house, Manorama alleged prevented the police team from entering the house and did not open the door in spite of repeated orders to do so. The Rabale police team then went to the Chatushrungi police station before returning. It is alleged Manorama helped her husband and his bodyguard flee with their vehicle. To further obstruct the police from searching the premises, Manorama allegedly released a dog on the premises. However, the police managed to enter the premises and rescued Kumar.

Based on the complaint by the investigation team of Rabale police station, an FIR was registered against Manorama, her husband and his bodyguard. “Our investigation is now focused on one key aspect of how Manorama helped the kidnapping suspects — her husband and his bodyguard — flee along with the vehicle involved in the road rage and kidnapping. “As per our preliminary information, the Navi Mumbai police have booked Dilip, his bodyguard and also Manorama. In our case too, Dilip and his bodyguard will be named as accused along with Manorama,” an officer from Pune police said.

Pune police have invoked changes under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita Section 221 for obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions, 238 for causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender and 263 for resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension of another person.