Manorama Khedkar, mother of ex-IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, has been granted interim bail till October 13 in a high-profile kidnapping case. Police investigations are ongoing, and more charges may follow.
Mumbai: A local court in Navi Mumbai has granted interim bail to Manorama Khedkar, the mother of former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) probationer Puja Khedkar, in connection with a kidnapping case. The bail protection will remain in force till October 13, the date fixed for the next hearing.
According to reports, Manorama Khedkar had been absconding after serious allegations surfaced that she and members of her family were involved in kidnapping a truck cleaner.
On Tuesday, her lawyers appeared before the Additional District Court in Belapur and moved a petition for anticipatory bail.
The court granted her interim protection from arrest but said that the main hearing will take place on October 13. The court has also directed the police to file their reply before that date.
The controversy has its roots in a road rage incident that happened in early September on the busy Mulund-Airoli Road in Navi Mumbai. A cement mixer truck allegedly brushed against an SUV.
After the minor collision, the SUV’s passengers got down and, in retaliation, allegedly forced the truck cleaner into their vehicle. The man was then taken to a bungalow in Pune, which is believed to be linked to the Khedkar family.
Police teams tracked the kidnapped man’s phone location and reached the bungalow. However, when they attempted to enter, Manorama Khedkar allegedly refused to open the gate.
Reports further say that she even let loose her ferocious guard dogs inside the compound to prevent the police from carrying out their duty.
Following this, several first information reports (FIRs) were registered against her and others involved. One FIR for kidnapping was lodged in Navi Mumbai, while another case was filed in Pune for obstructing public servants from performing their duties.
During the investigation, the police arrested the family’s bodyguard, Praful Salunkhe, who is accused of playing a role in the crime.
In her bail application, Manorama Khedkar claimed that she was being falsely implicated in the matter. She assured the court that she would extend full cooperation to the investigation.
After hearing the arguments, the court allowed her petition and ordered that she should not be arrested till the next hearing date.
Police sources have stated that before the October 13 hearing, their official response to the court will include both forensic and technical evidence.
This will reportedly show the exact route taken by the SUV and confirm the timeline of events. Officials also hinted that “more charges may be added later” based on the findings of the investigation.
The case has generated wide attention because of the alleged high-handed actions of the accused and their attempt to use influence and force against both common citizens and law enforcement officers.
The court’s interim bail order gives temporary relief to Manorama Khedkar, but the upcoming hearing on October 13 is expected to be crucial for both the prosecution and the defence.
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