In a bizarre incident that has sent ripples through the national news, a truck driver who was reportedly abducted following a road rage altercation in Navi Mumbai has been successfully rescued. What makes the story particularly gripping is that the rescue operation led police to the Pune residence of Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer embroiled in her own set of controversies.
The events unfolded on Saturday evening (September 15, 2025) on the Mulund-Airoli road in Navi Mumbai. Prahlad Kumar, a 22-year-old operating a concrete mixer truck, was involved in a minor collision when his vehicle lightly brushed against a sports utility vehicle. This seemingly minor traffic incident quickly escalated into a heated argument between Kumar and two individuals from the SUV.
Without warning, the SUV occupants allegedly forced Kumar into their vehicle, claiming they were taking him to a police station, and then fled the scene. The truck owner promptly filed a complaint, leading to a case being registered on Sunday under section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for kidnapping against unidentified persons.
Utilizing technical evidence, Navi Mumbai police swiftly traced the SUV’s path, confirming that Kumar had been transported to Pune. A police team was immediately dispatched to the city, leading them to a bungalow owned by Puja Khedkar.
The rescue was not without its challenges. Initially, Khedkar’s mother reportedly attempted to obstruct the police from entering the house, engaging in a quarrel with the officers. Despite the resistance, the police team gained entry, safely rescued Prahlad Kumar, and brought him back to Navi Mumbai.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the abduction. However, Khedkar’s mother has been issued a notice requiring her to appear for questioning as the investigation continues into the identities and motives of the kidnappers.
This incident casts a fresh spotlight on Puja Khedkar, who is already a figure of public scrutiny. She faces accusations of misrepresenting facts in her application for the 2022 UPSC civil services examination to fraudulently obtain reservation benefits, including OBC and disability quotas. These allegations have led to significant repercussions, with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) initiating criminal proceedings against her for attempting to secure civil services exam attempts through falsified identity. Furthermore, the Delhi Police have also filed an FIR against her for various related offenses. Ms. Khedkar has consistently denied all allegations against her.