Puja M D Khedkar, the IAS-Probationary Officer embroiled in a high-profile controversy, is likely to meet with Pune Police on 20 July to provide her statement regarding allegations of harassment against the Pune District Collector, Suhas Diwate.
Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar confirmed that Khedkar missed the initial summons on 18 July and has now issued a second one.
Kumar indicated that Khedkar has acknowledged the summons and is likely to attend the meeting.
“We will wait and see if she complies with the summons tomorrow. If she fails to appear again, we will evaluate the situation and take necessary actions,” Kumar stated.
Puja Khedkar’s written complaint alleges severe harassment by Collector Diwate, who reportedly demanded her transfer from Pune to Washim.
The complaint however highlights a series of grievances, including demands exceeding her IAS-PO entitlements, which reportedly led to her reassignment to the Washim Collectorate.
The controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar has intensified with new revelations questioning her academic credentials, caste certificate, disability certificate, and instances of name changes.
Meanwhile, this has prompted both the state government and the Centre to initiate a formal inquiry into her conduct, resulting in her removal from field training on July 16 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).
Khedkar has been directed to report back to LBSNAA for further action.
In response to Puja Khedkar’s allegations, several state government staff unions and associations have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
They demanded stringent action against Khedkar and threatened a state-wide agitation if authorities did not meet their demands.
The Khedkar family however finds itself in a precarious situation amid these developments.
Authorities are investigating Puja Khedkar’s father, Dilip K Khedkar, a former government employee, for alleged disproportionate wealth. As per reports, he is currently missing.
Meanwhile, her mother, Manorama D Khedkar, a former village headwoman, is in custody in Paud for allegedly threatening farmers with a pistol in an attempt to acquire their lands in Mulshi.
As the investigation continues, Puja Khedkar’s situation remains under close scrutiny by various authorities and departments.
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