Enveloped in controversies, trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar (34 years old) is currently under scrutiny. The central government has established a single-member committee on Thursday to verify Puja's candidature. There are allegations against her of misusing disability and OBC reservation quota to secure a position in the IAS. Amidst these allegations, Puja has taken up new responsibilities. This time she arrived at her office in a Bolero instead of her Audi. She has joined as an Assistant Collector in Washim.
The central government stated that Puja Khedkar, officer of the 2023 batch, has been allocated to the Maharashtra cadre. An additional secretary-rank officer has been assigned to verify her claims and details, and is expected to submit the report within two weeks.
Puja had fitted a red beacon in her Audi car
Meanwhile, Puja's transfer from Pune has been enacted. She was accused of causing distress to many individuals and had installed a red beacon on her personal Audi car. Claims have surfaced about Khedkar manipulating her way into the Indian Administrative Service, utilizing the benefits under the physically disabled category and OBC reservation.
Bolero drives Puja Khedkar to Washim Collectorate
On Thursday, Puja Khedkar embraced her new role as Assistant Collector at the Washim District Collectorate. Although she has been embroiled in controversy, Puja's approach to her new position has carried an air of change, arriving not in her Audi with the red beacon but in a simple Bolero vehicle. Khedkar has refrained from commenting on the allegations. She stated, 'I do not have the authority to speak on this matter. Government rules do not permit me to say anything.'
Source: aajtak
Police take action on misuse of beacon on personal car
Trainee IAS officer Puja stated, 'I am happy to join my duties at the Washim District Collectorate. I am eager to work here.' Meanwhile, the challenges for Puja seem to be mounting. She is under investigation for the unauthorized use of a red beacon and a VIP number on her car.
Accusations of improper conduct with staff
Prior to her relocation, the Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase wrote to the state's Additional Chief Secretary Nitin Gadre, recommending consideration for Khedkar’s appointment to another district following her purportedly improper behavior towards her junior staff and encroaching upon the space in front of Additional Collector Ajay More's office and for the unauthorized use of the red beacon on her Audi.
Meanwhile, District Collector Buveneshwari S stated, 'Puja Khedkar has joined the District Collectorate office in Washim for training purposes, following the orders of the Maharashtra government. She will learn about various departments during her training period.'
Audi car fined 26,500 rupees
Based on the violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, action will be taken against Puja Khedkar for the unauthorized use of a red and blue beacon on her private Audi car with a VIP number plate. Puja’s mother is the registered owner of the Audi, which has been previously fined multiple times, amounting up to 26,500 rupees for traffic violations
