A missing truck driver has been rescued from the Pune home of former IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who has been embroiled in several controversies. The incident occurred after a minor accident involving a concrete mixer truck and a car in the Airoli area of Navi Mumbai on September 13, 2025, at around 7 p.m..

According to police reports, Prahlad Kumar, a 22-year-old truck driver's helper, was allegedly forced into the car by two individuals following the accident. Instead of going to the police station as initially claimed, the car occupants drove towards Pune, leading to Kumar's abduction. The owner of the mixer truck, Vilas Dhondiram Dhengare, filed a complaint at the Rabale Police Station in Thane, and a kidnapping case was registered against two unknown persons.

Assistant Police Inspector Kharat from Navi Mumbai Police tracked the car to a flat in Bavdhan, Pune, which is within the jurisdiction of the Chaturshringi Police Station. The residence was identified as belonging to Puja Khedkar. When the police team arrived at the scene, they were met by Khedkar's mother, Manorama Khedkar, and an argument ensued. Despite the obstruction, the police team managed to rescue Prahlad Kumar from the premises. Manorama Khedkar has been instructed to appear at the Rabale Police Station, and further investigations are underway.

Puja Khedkar, a 2023 batch IAS officer, has had a controversial career. She faced scrutiny for allegedly misusing her position and submitting fraudulent certificates to clear the civil services exam. Allegations included using a private car with a beacon light, demanding privileges not entitled to trainee officers, and submitting fake disability and caste certificates. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled Khedkar's candidature and debarred her from future exams. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) discharged her from service. Furthermore, a criminal case was registered against her by the Delhi Police.

This recent incident adds to the string of controversies surrounding Khedkar and her family. Her mother, Manorama Khedkar, was previously arrested in connection with a land dispute case. The Khedkar family has consistently been in the news for various alleged wrongdoings, and this latest event has further intensified public attention on their activities.