The Pune Traffic Police have seized the Audi vehicle belonging to trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar, who recently came under scrutiny for alleged abuse of authority. The car has been taken to the police station.
Khedkar had equipped her private car with a red and blue beacon and a VIP number plate, which contravenes the Motor Vehicles Act. Additionally, she had unauthorizedly displayed ‘Maharashtra Government’ on the vehicle.
Moreover, the vehicle has been fined Rs 26,000 for 21 traffic violations, according to an official.
Pune Traffic Police has impounded the Audi car used by IAS Puja Khedkar at the police station. The vehicle was previously fined Rs 26000. There were total 21 traffic violations. Interestingly the beacon has been removed. #PujaKhedkar @IndiaToday @mumbaitak pic.twitter.com/2lzvYcMuad
— Omkar Wable (@omkarasks) July 14, 2024
On Saturday night, Khedkar’s family driver delivered the keys to the Chatushringi traffic police station after a notice from the traffic police department instructed vehicle owners to submit their car documents. However, the documents have yet to be provided to the traffic department.
The 34-year-old officer, Puja Khedkar, is embroiled in controversy over alleged abuse of power, aggressive behavior, and irregularities in her UPSC selection.
Khedkar, a member of the Maharashtra cadre, has been accused of demanding special privileges such as a separate office, an official vehicle, and staff before officially assuming her role as Assistant Collector in Pune—facilities typically not granted to probationary officers. Additionally, she has faced criticism for using a private Audi car equipped with government insignia and a beacon light.
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Concerns have also been raised about the circumstances of her appointment, including claims of misuse of disability and OBC quotas. While Khedkar claimed non-creamy layer status to benefit from the OBC quota, records indicate that her family possesses assets exceeding Rs 60 crores. She also alleged visual impairment but reportedly missed the required physical examination on six occasions.
Further allegations include aggressive behavior towards colleagues and attempts to interfere in police matters.
Following a report from the Pune District Collector to the Chief Secretary, Puja Khedkar has been transferred to Washim.
A central government panel has been formed to investigate the allegations against Khedkar and her UPSC recruitment. If found guilty, Khedkar may face termination from service, according to an official.
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