NEW DELHI: The
Centre
has constituted a single-member
committee
to investigate the candidature claims and details of probationary
IAS officer Puja Khedkar
, who has been embroiled in a controversy over her appointment and conduct as a probationary officer.
The committee, chaired by a senior Additional Secretary-level officer, has been tasked with verifying Khedkar’s claims and background within the next two weeks.
Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, has faced scrutiny over allegations that she did not meet the eligibility criteria for the OBC non-creamy layer and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories under which she appeared for the UPSC exam.
Concerns have also been raised about her wealth and assets, which include 110 acres of agricultural land, 6 plots, 7 flats, 900 grams of gold and diamonds, a gold watch worth Rs 17 lakh, 4 luxury cars, and property worth Rs 17 crore.
Her father, a retired Maharashtra government official, also owns assets worth over Rs 40 crore.
The controversy escalated after Khedkar, while on probation, made a series of demands for special privileges such as a separate cabin, official car, and dedicated staff, which were denied by the administration. She was eventually transferred from Pune to Washim district before completing her training.
The single-member committee’s
investigation
is expected to shed light on the legitimacy of Khedkar’s appointment and the allegations surrounding her conduct and wealth. The report, to be submitted within two weeks, will be crucial in determining the appropriate course of action in this case.
Police notice over beacon, unpaid fine
Meanwhile, the Pune traffic police have sent a notice to Khedkar for allegedly putting an amber beacon on her car.
It has been alleged that Khedkar’s four-wheeler has an amber beacon installed on the front of the car and ‘Government of Maharashtra’ written on it.
“Legal action has been taken against the said private vehicle under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act. It is also seen that action has been taken against the said vehicle for violating traffic rules earlier. The said fine is also pending without payment of a fee,” said Shafeel Pathan, senior police inspector Chatushringi Traffic Division, Pune City.
He said the private vehicle must be presented at the Chaturshringi Transport department along with the necessary documents for further legal inspection.
