• Source:JND
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A Navi Mumbai court on Tuesday granted interim bail to Manorama Khedkar, mother of former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, in connection with a kidnapping case. The additional district court in Belapur provided her protection from arrest until October 13, when the matter will be heard in detail.

The case stems from a road rage incident reported in early September on the Mulund–Airoli Road in Navi Mumbai. Police said a cement mixer truck brushed against an SUV, after which the SUV’s occupants allegedly abducted the truck cleaner and took him to a bungalow in Pune. The property is suspected to be linked to the Khedkar family.

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When police traced the location of the kidnapped man, they reached the Pune bungalow. According to the complaint, Manorama Khedkar refused to open the gate and released guard dogs to prevent officers from entering. Following the incident, separate FIRs were registered, one for kidnapping in Navi Mumbai and another in Pune for obstructing public servants.

Puja Khedkar’s Mother’s Defence Argument

In her anticipatory bail petition, Manorama Khedkar claimed she was being falsely implicated and assured the court that she would cooperate with the investigation. The court granted temporary relief while awaiting the police’s formal response.

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The NDTV report cited police sources as confirming that, they are compiling forensic and technical evidence, including details of the SUV’s movements, to present before the court on 13 October. Officials also suggested that additional charges may be included as the probe progresses.

Meanwhile, the Khedkar family’s bodyguard, Praful Salunkhe, has already been arrested in connection with the case.