IAS Trainee Officer Puja Khedkar Under Scrutiny: Potential Dismissal and Criminal Charges Loom
Allegations Against Puja Khedkar
Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar finds herself at the center of a significant controversy. The central government has initiated a probe against her, investigating allegations of power misuse and misleading claims made during her UPSC application. If found guilty, Khedkar could face dismissal and possibly criminal charges.
Misuse of Power and Misrepresentation Claims
The allegations against Khedkar are severe. She reportedly used a siren on her private Audi, demanded separate housing and a car, and claimed privileges not typically granted to junior officers. These actions have raised serious questions about her integrity and the legitimacy of her selection process in the civil services.
Investigation Led by the DoPT
Manoj Dwivedi, an additional secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), is spearheading the investigation. This probe is expected to conclude within two weeks. Sources indicate that Khedkar’s dismissal is a possible outcome if the allegations prove true. Additionally, she may face criminal proceedings for hiding facts and misrepresenting information during her UPSC application.
Khedkar’s Silence and Transfer
When confronted by the media, Khedkar has refrained from commenting on the charges, stating she is “not authorized” to discuss the matter. Initially posted as an assistant collector in Pune, Khedkar was transferred to Washim following complaints from the Pune Collector to the state government’s Chief Secretary. Her misuse of a siren and a “Government of Maharashtra” sticker on her private luxury sedan were key reasons behind this complaint.
Unauthorised Use of Office Resources
Khedkar is also accused of using Pune Additional Collector Ajay More’s office in his absence. She allegedly removed office furniture, demanded letterheads, and requested a VIP number plate. Such perks are not typically available to junior officers who are on probation for 24 months. Reports suggest her father, a retired administrative officer, pushed for these demands to be fulfilled.
Controversy Over OBC Status and Disability Claims
Questions have surfaced regarding Khedkar’s claim of belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Additionally, she claimed several disabilities to obtain concessions during the UPSC selection process but refused to undergo mandatory medical tests to verify these claims. This further adds to the cloud of suspicion surrounding her.
Old Video of Mother Waving Gun at Farmers Surfaces
Adding to Khedkar’s troubles, an old video of her mother, Manorama Khedkar, has emerged. In the video, Manorama is seen threatening a group of men with a gun. This incident has brought further negative attention to the Khedkar family. The video shows her confronting a man with a pocket pistol, demanding to see land documents and court orders, and threatening him not to “teach her the rules.”
Allegations of Land Grabbing and Property Accumulation
Locals allege that Khedkar’s family attempted to occupy neighboring farmers’ land. Her father, Dilip Khedkar, a retired IAS officer, reportedly amassed significant property, including 25 acres in Mulshi taluka of Pune district. Exclusive documents reveal that Puja Khedkar owns five plots of land and two apartments across Maharashtra valued at ₹ 22 crore, as well as two additional apartments in Ahmednagar and Pune worth ₹ 45 lakh and ₹ 75 lakh respectively.
Facing Serious Charges
Khedkar is now under scrutiny for serious charges of “abuse of power.” She allegedly used a red beacon, VIP number plates, and a “Government of Maharashtra” sticker on her private vehicle, an Audi sedan. These actions have drawn significant public and governmental attention, further complicating her situation.
Conclusion
The probe into Puja Khedkar’s actions is a critical moment in her career. With potential dismissal and criminal charges on the horizon, the outcome of this investigation will have far-reaching implications for her future in the civil services. The central government’s swift action underscores the seriousness of the allegations and its commitment to maintaining integrity within the civil service ranks.