Puja Khedkar Case: Police Tell Court It’s Organised Crime, Not Kidnapping

In a Navi Mumbai courtroom this week, police presented their case against Dilip Khedkar, father of former IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, portraying.

The “truck cleaner kidnapping” not as a spontaneous road rage incident but as a premeditated act of organised crime. The hearing was held in connection with the anticipatory bail application filed by Dilip Khedkar.

Incident Overview

Police said the case originated from a road accident on Mulund-Airoli Road on September 13, when a Toyota Land Cruiser owned by Dilip Khedkar allegedly grazed a mixer truck. Investigators claimed that an enraged Khedkar assaulted the truck driver and, under the pretext of taking the cleaner Prahlad Kumar to the police station, forcibly transported him to his Pune residence, where he was allegedly confined in the bungalow’s basement.

Resistance and Police Intervention

When authorities tracked the victim to Pune via his phone, they were reportedly blocked by Manorama Khedkar, Dilip’s wife, who allegedly locked the gates and released dogs to intimidate the officers. Prahlad Kumar was eventually rescued. Police stated that while on the property, Dilip Khedkar assured them, “We’ll come to the police station ourselves,” before fleeing the premises.

Investigators also cited a phone call with Manorama Khedkar, in which she allegedly claimed, “We have nothing to do with this case. You do whatever you want.”

Alleged Criminal Background

The police told the court that the Khedkars, though educated and former government officials, have prior criminal allegations, including land grabbing at gunpoint, and have associates involved in criminal activities. Investigators accused the couple of destroying key evidence, including the bungalow’s DVR system, SUV, and mobile phones, which could have contained critical footage.

Non-Cooperation and Attempts to Mislead

Manorama Khedkar, granted interim bail, reportedly avoided all contact with investigators, and her lawyer said she could not be reached. The police also alleged that she appeared at the station after sunset on October 4, deliberately bypassing regulations that prevent the interrogation of women after dark.

The police challenged claims in the bail petitions. While Manorama stated that the victim was provided with “good food and facilities,” Prahlad Kumar reportedly refused stale food and was released only after sustained police tracing efforts.

The police also disputed Dilip Khedkar’s claim that the incident was over a ₹5,000 argument with the truck driver, pointing out that the cost of the Land Cruiser itself makes the claim implausible, and suggested it was an attempt to trivialise the crime.

Organised Crime Angle

Summing up, the police told the court that the case represented organised criminal behaviour by individuals with influence and resources, rather than an isolated kidnapping.

“Such an act by a retired government official shows that he has no fear of the law,” the officers argued, questioning why the DVR system from the bungalow had been removed or destroyed if the incident were minor, as the accused claimed.

The police emphasized that investigation cannot proceed fully unless the accused are in custody, underscoring the gravity of the case in court.