In a major development to the case involving controversial IAS officer Pooja Khedkar’s family, Rabale police have arrested car driver Prafull Gnyaneshwar Sangle for allegedly kidnapping a 22-year-old truck helper after a road accident in Airoli.
About The Incident
The incident occurred on September 13, when a Land Cruiser (MH 12 RP 5000), owned by Dilip Khedkar—father of IAS officer Pooja Khedkar—collided with a transit mixer truck near McDonald’s signal on the Mulund–Airoli highway.
ACP Rahul Dhas' Statement
"Following the crash, Khedkar and his driver allegedly forced truck helper Pralhad Kumar into the car under the pretext of taking him to a police station. Instead, he was confined at the Khedkars’ bungalow in Pune, where his phone was seized, he was given stale food, and locked in a servant’s room," ACP Rahul Dhas (Rabale Division) said.
Based on a complaint, police traced the victim to National Housing Society in Bavdhan, Pune, and rescued him on September 14. Investigators alleged that Khedkar’s wife, Manorama, obstructed police action by refusing to open the gate, confronting officers, and unleashing dogs. She also allegedly destroyed evidence by removing a DVR containing CCTV footage.
On September 19, acting on technical intelligence, a Rabale police team arrested Sangle from Shindkheda in Dhule district. He was produced before Belapur Court, which remanded him to police custody till September 23.
Meanwhile, the prime accused Dilip Khedkar and his wife Manorama remain absconding, said Senior Police Inspector Balkrishna Sawant.A separate case has been registered against Manorama at Chatushrungi Police Station for obstructing government work.
“The rescue was swift and the investigation has exposed attempts to intimidate the victim and destroy key evidence. The search for the remaining accused is underway,” said SrPI Sawant.
