Controversial IAS Officer Faces Investigation Over Alleged Misconduct

The Navi Mumbai police reported that IAS officer Puja Khedkar allegedly pressured a DCP to release a man accused of theft. The incident took place on May 18, involving transporter Ishwar Uttarwade. Khedkar has faced multiple controversies, including accusations of misuse of quotas and demands for special privileges.

The Navi Mumbai police have informed the Maharashtra government about allegations that probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar tried to influence a DCP-rank officer to release a man arrested in a theft case.

The incident happened on May 18 at the Panvel police station when Khedkar allegedly called DCP Vivek Pansare urging him to free transporter Ishwar Uttarwade, who was held on theft charges. Khedkar claimed Uttarwade was innocent and the charges were minor.

The police did not act on Khedkar’s request, and Uttarwade remains in judicial custody. This is not Khedkar's first controversy; she was recently transferred from Pune to Washim district amid allegations of demanding special privileges and misusing the disability and OBC quotas to secure her IAS position.

The Centre has now constituted a single-member committee to verify Khedkar’s candidature and other related details, with the investigation led by an additional secretary-rank officer.