A probationary IAS officer, Puja Khedkar, is facing the possibility of termination from service or criminal charges for alleged misuse of power and privileges. The controversy surrounding Khedkar has escalated after reports emerged detailing her alleged demands for a separate office, an official car, and the unauthorized use of a red beacon light on a private Audi car. Questions have also been raised about the validity of her Other Backward Classes (non-creamy layer) status.
In response to these allegations, the Central Government has constituted a single-member committee to thoroughly investigate Khedkar’s candidature and other details. This committee, headed by an additional secretary-rank officer, will submit its findings within two weeks. Sources suggest that if found guilty of misconduct, Khedkar could face termination from the IAS and potential criminal charges, particularly if it is determined that she misrepresented facts or manipulated documents during the selection process.
Adding fuel to the fire, a video surfaced online depicting Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, threatening a group of men with a gun. This video, which has gone viral, shows Manorama Khedkar engaged in a heated argument with neighbors, accompanied by her security guards. A farmer, Kuldeep Pasalkar, alleges that Manorama Khedkar was forcefully attempting to seize his land, and that she had also threatened other farmers while brandishing a firearm.
Pune Rural police have initiated a probe into the incident, focusing on whether Manorama Khedkar possesses a valid license for the firearm seen in the video. They are investigating the allegations of land grabbing and threats made against the farmers.
Puja Khedkar, who recently assumed her role as assistant collector in Washim, has declined to comment on the probe initiated into her candidature. She claims that she is not authorized to speak on the matter due to government rules.
The allegations against Khedkar extend beyond her recent actions. She has been accused of removing the nameplate of a senior official in the Pune collector’s office when he allowed her to use his ante-chamber as her office. Further allegations claim that she submitted false disability and OBC certificates to clear the civil services exam, and even submitted a mental illness certificate. In April 2022, Khedkar was asked to report to AIIMS, Delhi, for verification of her disability certificate, but she failed to do so, citing Covid infection.
The controversy surrounding Khedkar highlights the serious consequences of alleged misuse of power and privilege within the Indian bureaucracy. The outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for Khedkar’s future and the integrity of the IAS.
