IAS Trainee’s Controversy Deepens with New Allegations Against Family

Manorama Khedkar, mother of IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, faces a show cause notice from Pune Police for misuse of a licenced gun. The controversy around Puja includes alleged abuse of power and fake certificate submissions, prompting a government probe.

Pune Police issued a show cause notice to Manorama Khedkar, mother of IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, on June 13 for allegedly misusing a licenced gun. Manorama, the Sarpanch of Bhalgaon village, was filmed waving a pistol during a heated dispute, which went viral.

Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar pasted the notice at Manorama's residence, as no one was available to accept it. The notice demands an explanation within 10 days on why her gun licence should not be revoked. A case under the Arms Act has been registered in Pune rural police jurisdiction following a local farmer's complaint, accusing Manorama and others of issuing threats.

Amid these controversies, Puja Khedkar was recently transferred from Pune to Washim district. The Central Government has formed a committee to investigate the allegations against her. On Saturday, she declined to comment on the probe, citing government restrictions.

The scrutiny on Puja includes charges of abusing her authority, presenting fraudulent disability and caste certificates, and seeking unauthorized privileges such as an official vehicle and a separate office. A senior government official heads the committee, which will report its findings in two weeks.

Further allegations state Puja misused a senior official's office and submitted unverified OBC and mental illness certificates. She was summoned to AIIMS for disability verification in April 2022 but did not attend due to COVID-19 concerns.