Controversy Surrounds IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar's Alleged Misuse of Power

Trainee IAS officer Dr. Puja Khedkar has been reassigned to Washim as a Supernumerary Assistant Collector following allegations of misuse of power during her tenure in Pune. The state government issued the transfer order in response to a letter from District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase to the Chief Secretary, highlighting the issues.

Khedkar, who cleared the UPSC exam in 2021 with an All India Rank of 821, reportedly demanded facilities not typically provided to probationers. These demands included an official car with a VIP number plate, a beacon light, and an official chamber with adequate staff. She also allegedly used her private Audi car with a red-blue beacon light and VIP number plate and occupied the ante-chamber of Additional Collector Ajay More as her office.

Adding to the controversy, Khedkar's father, Dilip Khedkar, has been accused of intimidating district staff. He allegedly claimed that officials were mistreating his daughter and warned of repercussions if the behavior continued.

In addition to these allegations, Khedkar had previously filed a plea against the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, claiming to be a person with a disability. She argued that PwD candidates face greater hardships than SC/ST candidates and should receive similar benefits.

The reassignment to Washim is seen as a step to address the situation and ensure that proper protocols are followed by all officials, regardless of their rank or tenure.