Controversial IAS Officer's Mother's Property Receives Removal Notice Amid Allegations

Pune civic body issues a seven-day notice to Manorama Khedkar, mother of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, for removing unauthorised structures near their bungalow boundary. An FIR has been registered against her and others for alleged threats involving a firearm. The younger Khedkar faces scrutiny over misusing quotas to secure her IAS position.

The Pune civic body on Saturday issued a notice to Manorama Khedkar, mother of controversial probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, directing the removal of 'unauthorised structures' adjacent to the boundary wall of their bungalow within seven days, according to officials.

Police have also registered an FIR against the IAS probationer's parents, Manorama and Dilip Khedkar, along with five others, following the emergence of a video showing Manorama allegedly threatening individuals with a gun amid a land dispute.

Puja Khedkar, a 34-year-old officer, is at the center of controversy for allegedly misusing disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) quotas to secure her position in the IAS.

On Saturday evening, Pune Municipal Corporation officials attempted to deliver the notice at their 'Om Deep' bungalow, located on Baner Road in the city. After receiving no response, officials affixed the notice to the main door.

'We have received complaints about structures installed outside your bungalow causing obstacles for residents. Kindly remove the unauthorised structures adjacent to the boundary wall of the bungalow within the next seven days,' the notice stated.

Pune Rural Police have charged Manorama and Dilip Khedkar and five others under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) at the Paud police station, said an official. The charges include section 323 (Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property).

A two-minute video shows Manorama Khedkar, accompanied by security guards, arguing heatedly with others and holding a pistol in Dhadwali village in Pune's Mulshi tehsil. The incident involved a land parcel bought by Dilip Khedkar, a retired Maharashtra government officer, with locals claiming they had encroached upon neighboring farmland.

In another setback for Puja Khedkar, Pune City traffic police issued a notice to a private company on Thursday for the unauthorised use of a beacon light on a private car with a 'Maharashtra Government' sign, which the IAS probationer was allegedly found using.

'The luxurious car belongs to a private company. An order was issued against Thermo Verita Engineering Pvt Ltd to produce the car at the nearest police station for further inquiry. In case of default, legal action will be initiated by Pune Police,' a senior officer stated on Saturday.

The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) had also issued a notice to the registered owner of the Audi car used by Khedkar.

Notably, the Centre on Thursday established a single-member committee to re-examine documents submitted by Puja Khedkar to secure her candidature in the civil services exam and her subsequent selection for service.

A 2023 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Puja Khedkar is currently under probation and posted in her home cadre, Maharashtra.