Navi Mumbai: Pralhad Kumar, a 22-year-old truck cleaner from Turbhe MIDC, Navi Mumbai, has alleged that he was abducted and held hostage at the residence of Dilip Khedkar, father of former IAS officer Puja Khedkar, after the truck he worked in reportedly brushed Khedkar&rsquo;s Land Cruiser on September 13.
According to the Navi Mumbai police, Kumar stated that he was locked in a room, given stale food, and threatened with murder during the ordeal.
Alleged Abduction Over Minor Traffic Incident
The incident began when Dilip Khedkar and his driver-cum-bodyguard Praful Salunkhe argued with Kumar&rsquo;s truck driver over the collision on the Mulund-Airoli Road.&nbsp;
Kumar claimed he was told he was being taken to the police station but was instead driven to the Khedkar residence in Pune on Saturday evening.
Once inside the house, Kumar alleged that his mobile phone was confiscated, and he was locked in a room intended for a watchman or cook. 
He was given stale food, while the Khedkars allegedly called the truck owner demanding money for the damaged vehicle. 
Police said Kumar was threatened with death if the money was not paid.
Police Rescue and Investigation
Kumar was rescued early Sunday by a Navi Mumbai police team following a complaint from the truck owner. 
During the investigation, the police found that Manorama Khedkar, Dilip&rsquo;s wife, had allegedly handed over the room&rsquo;s keys to someone and the CCTV digital video recorder was removed, reportedly to destroy evidence.
The police have added charges of extortion and destruction of evidence to the initial kidnapping case.&nbsp;
While the bodyguard, Praful Salunkhe, has been arrested, authorities are still searching for Dilip and Manorama Khedkar, who remain on the run.
Background on Puja Khedkar
Last year, the Centre dismissed Puja Khedkar from the IAS after she was found guilty of cheating and wrongly availing benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and disability quota.

Truck cleaner held hostage at Khedkar residence

Truck cleaner claims he was held, threatened, and given stale food at Khedkar residence

Navi Mumbai Truck Cleaner Alleges Abduction

Truck cleaner claims he was held, threatened, and given stale food at Khedkar residence

September 20, 2025 | 22:59 IST