📷 Image Credits: Mint
The Pune Rural Police recently registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the parents of trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, Manorama Khedkar, Dilip Khedkar, and five others. The complaint, filed by a local farmer, accused Manorama Khedkar of making threats, leading to the FIR being filed at Paud police station. The charges under sections 323, 504, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were included, along with charges under the Arms Act. This legal action comes in the aftermath of a video that went viral on social media showing Manorama threatening a group of men with a gun. The incident captured in the video revolves around a land parcel purchased by Puja’s father, Dilip Khedkar, in Dhadwali village, Mulshi tehsil, Pune.
The controversy surrounding the Khedkar family intensified as locals accused them of encroaching on neighboring farmers’ land. In the video, Manorama Khedkar is seen engaging in a heated exchange with neighbors while holding a pistol which she later conceals. The Pune Rural Police stated that a probe will be initiated once the facts are ascertained, particularly regarding the possession of a firearm license by Manorama Khedkar. Additionally, the incident involving a local farmer, Kuldeep Pasalkar, who claimed that Manorama was forcefully attempting to usurp his land, further escalated the situation.
Furthermore, trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, from the 2023 batch, faces serious allegations of misrepresenting herself as an OBC non-creamy layer candidate during her UPSC candidacy. She also claimed visual and mental disabilities but refused to undergo assessments to substantiate these claims. The controversies surrounding Puja Khedkar escalated with accusations of abuse of power, including using a red beacon, VIP number plates, and a ‘Government of Maharashtra’ sticker on her private vehicle, an Audi sedan. Amidst these allegations, Puja was transferred from Pune to Washim district over conduct complaints during her probation period.
The situation took a new turn as Navi Mumbai Police submitted a report to the Maharashtra Home Department, alleging that Puja Khedkar pressured the police into releasing a family member accused of theft. The report stated that Puja called a Deputy Commissioner of Police, insisting on the release of the suspect, which raised concerns about her actions. With multiple instances of possible abuse of power unfolding, the Pune Collector’s office took the decision to transfer Puja Khedkar to Washim as a Supernumerary Assistant Collector. The central government has initiated a probe into the matter, indicating that Puja may face termination from service and possible criminal charges if found guilty. The investigation will be conducted by Manoj Dwivedi, the Additional Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training, with a report expected within two weeks.
