Father Defends Probationary IAS Officer in Alleged Misuse of Power Controversy

Dilip Khedkar, the father of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, has come forward to defend his daughter amidst allegations of misuse of power during her tenure in Pune. Speaking exclusively with India Today TV, Dilip Khedkar refuted the claims against Puja and emphasized that she is facing undue harassment.

According to reports, Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, faced accusations of requesting special privileges such as a separate office, a car, and accommodation before assuming the role of Assistant Collector in Pune.

Defending his daughter’s actions, Dilip Khedkar argued that the request for a designated workspace should not be perceived as misconduct. He highlighted that the issue is currently under investigation, and a committee has been tasked with evaluating the situation.

When pressed to identify the individuals supposedly targeting Puja, Dilip Khedkar refrained from disclosing specific names. He maintained that the legal proceedings are ongoing, and it would be inappropriate to speculate at this stage.

In response to inquiries about Puja’s categorization under the creamy layer or non-creamy layer for benefit purposes, Dilip Khedkar reiterated that their defense would be presented before the committee. He reiterated that all actions were conducted in accordance with regulations and that there was no violation of protocols.