Allegations of Power Misuse Lead to IAS Officer Puja Khedkar's Transfer

IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been transferred from Pune to Washim, Maharashtra, following accusations of misusing her authority and availing unauthorized facilities. Allegations also include her father exerting pressure and discrepancies in her OBC non-creamy layer status. Investigations are being urged.

Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer, has been transferred from Pune to the Washim district of Maharashtra amid allegations of power misuse. Khedkar, who secured an All India rank of 821 in the UPSC exams, was found to have availed facilities not entitled to probationary officers. These include using a red-blue beacon and a 'Maharashtra Government' board on her private Audi car.

Additionally, Khedkar allegedly occupied the ante-chamber of Additional Collector Ajay More without permission, removed office furniture without consent, and requested unauthorized facilities. Following a letter from Pune Collector Suhas Divase to the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Khedkar was transferred to Washim district to complete her probationary period as a supernumerary assistant collector.

The controversy deepens with allegations against Khedkar's father, a retired administrative officer who recently contested the Lok Sabha election. He is accused of exerting pressure on the District Collector's office to fulfill his daughter's demands. Pune RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar questioned Khedkar's appointment, claiming she falsely fell under the OBC non-creamy layer category despite her father's substantial assets.

Kumbhar revealed that Khedkar's father's affidavit in the Lok Sabha elections indicated a wealth of Rs 40 crore and an annual income of Rs 49 lakh. He argues that these figures disqualify her from the OBC non-creamy layer category, demanding a detailed investigation into her IAS appointment.

Kumbhar also mentioned that Khedkar's father owns 110 acres of land in Maharashtra, exceeding the limit set by the Agriculture Land Ceiling Act, further calling for a probe. Despite the allegations, Khedkar has officially joined as a supernumerary assistant collector in Washim and declined to comment, citing service rules.