Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar has filed a harassment case against Pune Collector Suhas Divase. Divase had reported Khedkar for allegedly misusing her power, which led to her transfer to Washim. Khedkar, who was serving as an assistant collector in Pune, was moved to Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector. She was accused of demanding perks and facilities not entitled to a trainee official.
Controversial Allegations and Investigation
Khedkar’s transfer followed allegations that she lied about her visual and mental disabilities to clear the Civil Services entrance exam. Additionally, she was accused of abusing her post to secure various perks. Amid these allegations, her training as a probationary officer was cancelled.
The government is investigating her claims about disabilities and her misuse of power. Khedkar, 23, was recalled from Washim and directed to return to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Uttarakhand.
WhatsApp Chats and Demands
The Collector’s office released a preliminary report with screenshots of WhatsApp chats between Khedkar and an unidentified individual. In these messages, Khedkar demanded details about her office and a government car, neither of which is available to probationary employees. Her demands were met with instructions to discuss the matter with the collector. Khedkar sent repeated messages and ultimatums about accommodation, travel, and office facilities, showcasing her impatience and entitlement before officially starting her post.
Allegations of Misusing OBC Status and VIP Perks
Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, faces multiple allegations. These include lying about her OBC status and using a red beacon reserved for VIP vehicles on her private luxury car. Controversy also surrounds her claims of physical, mental, and visual disabilities. She allegedly skipped multiple medical tests to confirm her disabilities and obtained a questionable certificate from a Pune hospital.
Recall to Mussoorie Academy
Maharashtra’s additional chief secretary, Nitin Gadre, informed Khedkar that the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration had decided to put her district training program on hold. She was instructed to return to the academy by July 23, 2024.
Despite Khedkar maintaining that she is a victim of misinformation and “fake news,” Pune Police will verify the authenticity of her disability certificates submitted to the UPSC. Washim collector Bhuvaneshwari S confirmed that Khedkar was relieved from her position as a supernumerary assistant collector.
Questionable Disability Certification
A senior government doctor revealed that Khedkar had obtained a “locomotor disability” certificate in August 2022. Dr. Rajendra Wable, dean of Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital, stated that she was found to have a seven percent locomotor disability in her knee. This certificate, along with others from 2018 and 2021, was submitted to the UPSC under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities category. However, a request for a similar certificate from another Pune hospital in August 2022 was rejected after medical tests.
Khedkar’s Defense
Speaking to reporters in Washim, Khedkar claimed to be a victim of a misinformation campaign and requested the media to act responsibly. She asserted that fake news about her was being published daily, causing significant defamation. Khedkar also mentioned calling women police personnel to her residence for work, though she did not elaborate further.
The case of Puja Khedkar highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding her role as a probationary IAS officer. As investigations continue, the outcome will determine her future in the civil services and the validity of the allegations against her.
(With inputs from agencies)
