IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Faces Termination and Criminal Charges Amid Misuse Allegations

Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar finds herself at the center of a storm as allegations of misuse of power and privileges swirl around her. The officer, part of the 2023-batch IAS cadre from Maharashtra, is under scrutiny for purported demands relating to a separate office, an official car, and unauthorized use of a red beacon light on a private Audi.

Sources indicate that if found guilty, Khedkar could potentially face termination from the service or even criminal charges if any misrepresentation or manipulation of documents is uncovered.

The Centre has set up a single-member committee, led by Additional Secretary Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, to probe Khedkar’s candidature in the Civil Services Examination. The investigation is tasked with verifying her claims and details within a two-week timeline.

The situation took a more dramatic turn as a video emerged showing Khedkar’s mother wielding a gun in a dispute with locals. The Pune Rural police have initiated an inquiry into the incident, including checking the legality of the firearm possessed by Khedkar’s mother.

Farmer Kuldeep Pasalkar alleged that Manorama Khedkar, Puja’s mother, had been attempting to take over his land forcefully. He claimed that she had threatened several other farmers as well, creating a tense situation in the area.

As the controversy deepens, reports surfaced of Puja Khedkar being transferred from Pune to the Washim District Collectorate in Vidarbha. Allegations of her intimidating behavior in Pune, including the extravagant use of a red beacon on a private vehicle, have added fuel to the fire.

Notably, the Regional Transport Office issued a notice to the private company owning the Audi car that Khedkar used, questioning the illegal installation of a red beacon light and the unauthorized use of ‘Maharashtra Government‘ markings on the vehicle.

Responding to the escalating situation, Puja Khedkar declined to comment on the government’s investigative panel. She cited restrictions on discussing the matter and refrained from addressing the allegations swirling around her conduct.

Further accusations against Khedkar include the alleged removal of a senior official’s nameplate at the Pune collector’s office and the submission of purportedly fake disability and Other Backward Class certificates during the civil services exam process. Reports also claim she submitted a certificate related to mental illness.

In April 2022, Khedkar was directed to appear for a disability certificate verification at AIIMS in Delhi, a directive she failed to comply with, citing a Covid infection.