A probationary IAS officer, Puja Khedkar, has been called back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration for further investigation. Her training has been halted due to allegations of misuse of power and privilege during her tenure as an assistant collector in Pune.
Khedkar’s troubles began after she was accused of demanding unauthorized benefits, such as a red beacon on her personal car, occupying the office of a senior official, and requesting special amenities despite being in her probationary period.
Furthermore, the authenticity of certificates she submitted for disability and OBC reservations is under investigation. Khedkar claims to be the victim of a media smear campaign, but she has been accused of manipulating documents to gain entry into civil services.
Her father has also been accused of exceeding the income threshold for reservation benefits. In addition, Khedkar’s mother is involved in a separate criminal case related to threatening individuals with a gun.
Khedkar has filed a harassment complaint against the Pune district collector and maintains her innocence, claiming she is willing to cooperate with the investigation.
