A Navi Mumbai court has granted interim bail to Manorama Khedkar, mother of former Indian Administrative Service probationer Puja Khedkar, in connection with a kidnapping case linked to a road rage incident. The protection from arrest will remain in force until the next hearing on October 13, when the court will hear the matter further along with the police’s response, NDTV reported.
Manorama Khedkar had been absconding after allegations surfaced that she and her family forcibly abducted a truck cleaner. On Thursday, her lawyers appeared before the additional district court in Belapur and sought anticipatory bail. The court granted interim relief, while directing that the police reply to her plea in the next hearing.
The case stems from a road rage incident in early September on Navi Mumbai’s Mulund–Airoli Road. According to the police, a cement mixer truck allegedly brushed against an SUV. The occupants of the SUV then stepped out and allegedly dragged the truck cleaner into the vehicle. He was later taken to a bungalow in Pune, a property police claim is linked to the Khedkar family.
Police said they managed to trace the kidnapped man to the Pune bungalow. However, when officers attempted to enter, Manorama Khedkar allegedly refused to open the gates and reportedly unleashed ferocious guard dogs on the compound to obstruct them. Following this, multiple FIRs were registered – one in Navi Mumbai for kidnapping, and another in Pune for obstructing public servants from discharging their duty.
In connection with the incident, the Khedkar family’s bodyguard, Praful Salunkhe, has already been arrested.
In her bail petition, Manorama Khedkar maintained that she had been falsely implicated in the case and assured the court that she would cooperate with the investigation. Considering her plea, the Belapur court extended interim protection from arrest.
Police sources told NDTV that their response to the court before 13 October 2025 will rely on forensic and technical evidence, including tracking the movement of the SUV and reconstructing the timeline of events. Officials also indicated that additional charges may be framed as the investigation progresses.
(With inputs from NDTV)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.