Controversial IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Faces Probe and Possible Termination

Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar is under investigation for alleged misuse of power and privileges, including abusing disability and OBC quotas. A single-member committee will re-examine her documents, and if found guilty, she could be terminated and face criminal charges. Khedkar, currently posted in Washim, Maharashtra, is accused of bullying and misusing a red beacon on her private car.

Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, embroiled in controversy over alleged misuse of power and privileges, could face termination if found guilty, official sources confirmed on Friday.

The Centre has constituted a single-member committee to re-examine all documents Khedkar submitted to secure her civil services candidature and subsequent selection.

If found guilty, Khedkar may not only be terminated but also face criminal charges for document manipulation, sources said. The 34-year-old officer from the 2023 IAS batch is accused of abusing disability and OBC quotas to secure her position. Currently on probation in her home cadre of Maharashtra, Khedkar recently assumed a new role as assistant collector in Washim District after being transferred from Pune due to her alleged misconduct.

Her behaviour included aggressive treatment of junior staff and illegal use of a red beacon on her private luxury car, leading Pune district collector Suhas Diwase to request her transfer to avoid 'administrative complications'.

(With inputs from agencies.)