Puja Khedkar, a 34-year-old officer in the Maharashtra cadre, has come under scrutiny for alleged misuse of authority, aggressive conduct, and other irregularities during her UPSC selection process.
Digital Desk: The Pune Traffic Police have confiscated the Audi car belonging to trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar, who recently faced disciplinary action for alleged misuse of authority. The vehicle has been brought to the police station.
Khedkar utilized a red and blue beacon along with a VIP number plate on her private car, contravening the Motor Vehicles Act. Additionally, she affixed 'Maharashtra Government' on the vehicle without proper authorization. An official confirmed that the car has incurred fines amounting to Rs 26,000 for a total of 21 traffic violations.
On Saturday night, Khedkar's family driver surrendered the keys to the Chatushringi traffic police station following a notice issued by the traffic police department, which mandated the submission of car documents. However, the requisite documents have yet to be provided to the traffic department.
Puja Khedkar, a 34-year-old officer in the Maharashtra cadre, has come under scrutiny for alleged misuse of authority, aggressive conduct, and other irregularities during her UPSC selection process.
She has been accused of seeking special privileges, including a separate office, official vehicle, and staff, before assuming her role as Assistant Collector in Pune, privileges not typically granted to probationary officers.
Moreover, criticism has been leveled against her for allegedly using a private Audi car adorned with government insignia and a beacon light.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the circumstances of her appointment, with allegations of misusing disability and OBC quotas. Despite claiming non-creamy layer status for OBC quota benefits, documents reportedly reveal her family possesses assets exceeding Rs 60 crores. Additionally, she allegedly bypassed mandated physical examinations for her claimed visual impairment on multiple occasions.
Reports of aggressive behavior towards colleagues and attempts to interfere in police matters have further exacerbated the allegations.
Following a report from the Pune District Collector to the Chief Secretary, Puja Khedkar has been transferred to Washim. The central government has formed a panel to investigate the allegations against her and her UPSC recruitment process. An official informed news agency PTI that Khedkar could face termination from service if found guilty.
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