 |
| Khedkar is under the scanner for her claims on her disability as well as OBC certificates while clearing the IAS, (Image:@khedkarpavan07/X) |
Pune - In a developing situation that has caught the attention of Maharashtra's administrative circles, probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar has lodged a police complaint alleging harassment against Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase. This complaint comes in the wake of accusations of misconduct against Khedkar herself.
According to officials, women police personnel visited Khedkar at her residence in Washim on Monday to record her complaint against Diwase. The nature of the alleged harassment has not been disclosed in detail.
The complaint follows a series of events that began with Khedkar's posting as assistant collector in Pune. During her tenure, she reportedly demanded perks and facilities beyond those typically afforded to trainee officers. Diwase, in his capacity as Pune District Collector, brought these issues to light in a comprehensive report to the state chief secretary on June 24.
In his letter, Diwase detailed Khedkar's "sense of entitlement" and behavioral issues during her probation period. He also alleged that Khedkar's father, Deelip Khedkar, a retired IAS officer, had intimidated district staff to meet his daughter's demands. One instance mentioned in the report was Khedkar's refusal of an offered chamber because it lacked an attached bathroom.
Following these allegations, the Maharashtra government transferred Khedkar to Washim district as a supernumerary assistant collector. However, the controversy deepened when accusations surfaced that Khedkar may have used fraudulent means to clear her civil services examination.
The 34-year-old officer is alleged to have forged Other Backward Classes (OBC) non-creamy layer certificates and disability certificates. Particularly, she is accused of submitting multiple medical certificates to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), including one indicating visual impairment under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities provision.
In response to these allegations, the Union government has established a one-member committee to verify Khedkar's candidature, with a report due within two weeks. Concurrent investigations are also underway by the Maharashtra chief secretary's office and the director's office of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).
Most recently, the state government has put Khedkar's district training program on hold. She has been summoned to return to the LBSNAA in Mussoorie by July 23 for "necessary action," as stated in a letter issued by Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Nitin Gadre.
As the investigations unfold, this case highlights the complexities and challenges within India's administrative services, touching on issues of conduct, privilege, and the integrity of the selection process for civil servants.
