IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar Files Harassment Complaint Against Pune Collector Suhas Diwase

IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar Files Harassment Complaint Against Pune Collector

Key Points:

Complaint Filed: IAS probationer Puja Khedkar has accused Pune Collector Suhas Diwase of harassment.
LBSNAA Involvement: Khedkar was summoned by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).
Accusations Against Khedkar:
- Misuse of an Audi car for official purposes.
- Unauthorized use of a beacon light on a private vehicle.
- Encroachment into Additional Collector Ajay More’s cabin.
Transfer and Investigation:
- Khedkar was transferred to Washim district following a report by Diwase.
- The General Administration Department initially took a lenient view but later discrepancies in her selection surfaced.
Complaint Details:
- Khedkar claims she was harassed by Diwase and recorded her statement with the Washim police.
- The complaint was handled by a woman deputy superintendent of police.
Government Response:
- Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik mentioned that a preliminary inquiry would follow due process.
- Pune Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar sought an explanation from Khedkar.
Skepticism from Officials:
- A top government official questioned the timing and specifics of Khedkar’s allegations.
- The official noted that the Pune collectorate is under CCTV surveillance, except for the ante chamber.

Detailed Report:

Background:
Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, is currently facing several allegations, including claims of misrepresenting her OBC status and abusing her official position to secure perks not typically available to probationary officers. These perks allegedly include the use of a siren and a 'Government of Maharashtra' plate on her private Audi sedan.

Incidents Leading to Complaint:
May 23, 2024: Before her posting, Khedkar sent messages demanding office and vehicle arrangements.
Subsequent Actions: Screenshots of her messages showed impatience and demands for a designated cabin and vehicle before her official start date.
Transfer: Following initial allegations, Khedkar was transferred to Washim district.
Recent Developments: Khedkar was recalled from Washim and directed to return to LBSNAA for further training amid ongoing investigations.

Police Involvement:
Complaint Filing: Khedkar filed a harassment complaint against Pune Collector Suhas Diwase.
Police Action: A team led by a woman deputy superintendent recorded Khedkar's statement.
Authorities Notified: Copies of her statement were sent to relevant authorities.

Government and Official Reactions:
Chief Secretary's Statement: Sujata Saunik assured that a preliminary inquiry would follow due process.
Official Skepticism: Questions arose about the timing of Khedkar's complaint and the absence of specific details regarding her interactions with Diwase.
Diwase's Response: Suhas Diwase stated he was unaware of the complaint as he was busy in Baramati and had not received any official communication regarding the matter.

Medical and Disability Claims:
Disability Allegations: Khedkar is also being scrutinized for allegedly lying about her physical, mental, and visual disabilities to clear the Civil Services entrance examination.
Medical Certificate Controversy: Khedkar's request for a disability certificate was rejected by a Pune hospital but later accepted by a Pipri hospital.

Public and Media Reaction:
Khedkar's Statement: She criticized the media trial and expressed her inability to comment earlier due to government regulations.
Family Involvement: Khedkar's parents are also embroiled in legal issues related to her allegations.

Conclusion:
The ongoing investigation into IAS probationer Puja Khedkar’s conduct and her harassment complaint against Pune Collector Suhas Diwase is unfolding with multiple layers of complexity. As inquiries continue, the focus remains on ensuring due process and uncovering the truth behind the allegations.