Amid the ongoing controversy over ‘misuse of power’ by 2022 batch probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Puja Khedkar, the central government has formed a one-member committee to look into the matter.
Police sources further informed that action will be taken against the probationary officer under the Motor Vehicle Rules Act.
What is the Controversy Surrounding Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar?
Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, Milind Deora called allegations against the probationary IAS officer an “occupational hazard”.
“The allegations against IAS officer Pooja Khedkar are a serious reputational hazard to the service.
Amid the ongoing controversy over ‘misuse of power’ by 2022 batch probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Puja Khedkar, the central government has formed a one-member committee to look into the matter. According to sources, the committee will probe allegations related to her fake certificates and scrutiny at the time of the interview. Additionally, her conduct during probation will also be examined by the IAS Academy.
The joint secretary level one-member committee, chaired by a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government of India, will submit the investigation report in two weeks time, top government sources informed News18.
Meanwhile, the Pune Police on Thursday initiated action against Puja Khedkar and said that they will conduct an inquiry against her on the use of a beacon on her personal Audi car. Police sources further informed that action will be taken against the probationary officer under the Motor Vehicle Rules Act. Notably, there is a fine of Rs 21,000 for non-observance of traffic rules on the car used by Khedkar.
“We will take action as per the Motor Vehicle Act. There are 21 challans pending on that car… We will send a notice on WhatsApp and try to contact them… It is illegal to write Maharashtra Government in a private car. We have not found that car,” said Pune Police senior officer Shafil Pathan.
What is the Controversy Surrounding Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar?
The controversy is centred around accusations that she improperly utilised a personal Audi car equipped with VIP registration and emergency lights — a vehicle marked ‘Maharashtra Government’.
Guidelines typically restrict probationary civil servants from availing of certain perks and privileges.
Police on Thursday arrived at Puja’s residence to seek details of the Audi car regarding its ownership and purchase. They are also trying to determine how did she secure permission for the beacon.
ALSO READ: In Spot Over ‘Misuse Of Power’, Pune Trainee IAS Officer Demands Separate Office, House, Car Before Joining
Puja also allegedly submitted fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to clear the civil services exam. She was recently transferred from Pune to Washim following complaints of misuse of power.
Political War of Words On Pooja Khedkar
Leader Of the Opposition in the Maharashtra State Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar demanded an inquiry into the selection process and said, “The selection has been done wrongly. Fake medical certificates should be probed. We demand an inquiry into this.”
#BreakingNews: Maharashtra LoP Vijay Wadettiwar Demands Investigation Into Use Of Fake Certificates In Connection To Pune IAS Probationary Officer Pooja Khedkar Misuse Of Power AllegationsNews18’s @kotakyesha shares more on this | @kritsween #Corruption #PoojaKhedkar #IAS pic.twitter.com/gvuhwPa6a1 — News18 (@CNNnews18) July 11, 2024
BJP MLA from Maharashtra, Nitesh Rane assured that the government will take the required action in the matter. “Everyone is equal before the law if any wrong-doing is identified in the process, our government will take the action necessary on it,” he said.
Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, Milind Deora called allegations against the probationary IAS officer an “occupational hazard”. He also urged the state government to “conduct a comprehensive & impartial investigation into these allegations without delay”.
“The allegations against IAS officer Pooja Khedkar are a serious reputational hazard to the service. Are you in government to serve or due to a sense of entitlement? I urge Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary to conduct a comprehensive & impartial investigation into these allegations without delay. Ensuring justice & preserving public trust in our administrative service is crucial. UPSC is known for producing high-caliber officers for #PublicService. Those lacking merit and ethics are not fit to hold important public offices,” Deora wrote in an X post.
