NEW DELHI: A coordinated manhunt is underway for dismissed IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, her father Dilip Khedkar, mother Manorama Khedkar, and an unidentified aide, all of whom are absconding in connection with the kidnapping and wrongful confinement of a truck helper in a road rage incident.The Khedkar family has been missing since September 15, and multiple Look Out Circulars (LOCs) have been issued by Navi Mumbai police to prevent them from fleeing the country. At least four police teams from Pune and Navi Mumbai are carrying out raids and surveillance operations.The case: road rage turns to kidnappingAccording to police, the incident occurred on September 13 on Mulund-Airoli Road in Navi Mumbai when a concrete mixer truck grazed a Land Cruiser allegedly belonging to Dilip Khedkar. An argument broke out between the truck driver, his helper Pralhad Kumar Chouhan, and the SUV occupants — identified as Dilip and his driver Praful Salunkhe.Dilip and Salunkhe allegedly abducted Chouhan and transported him to the family’s bungalow in Aundh, Pune, where he was confined in a watchman’s room, served stale food, and allegedly threatened with consequences if he did not pay for the vehicle damage.Obstruction, evidence tampering, and escapePolice said that Manorama Khedkar played a central role in obstructing police officers during the rescue operation and is also accused of tampering with CCTV evidence. She allegedly handed over the bedroom key to an unidentified associate, allowing them to remove the DVR containing surveillance footage. A case for obstruction has been registered by API Deepak Kharat at Chatushrungi police station, Pune.The family residence, where Chouhan was rescued the next day, was also the scene of further resistance, as Manorama reportedly released two pet dogs to delay police entry before fleeing.Manhunt and ongoing investigationOn September 20, police arrested Praful Salunkhe in Shindkheda, Dhule after a six-day search. He admitted to travelling with Dilip after the incident but later parted ways. Investigators say Salunkhe had only recently been hired by the Khedkars.Authorities suspect the family split up and is avoiding capture by refusing digital transactions, possibly using disguises, and receiving external assistance. The Land Cruiser involved in the incident is still untraced.A Look Out Circular has been issued not only for Dilip and Manorama but also for the unidentified individual involved in tampering with CCTV footage.Charges and legal actionThe Rabale police initially registered a case under Section 137(2) (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further charges have since been added, including:
- Section 115(2) – Voluntarily causing hurt
- Section 127(7) – Wrongful confinement for extortion
- Section 308(4) – Extortion
Authorities have confirmed that all exit routes are being monitored amid concerns that the accused may attempt to flee the country.
