Pune: The controversy surrounding IAS officer Puja Khedkar continues to deepen with fresh allegations surfacing. Reports indicate that probationer IAS officer Puja Khedkar tried to abuse her power and authority by pressuring a DCP-ranked officer to release a person arrested in a theft case.
The Navi Mumbai police informed the Maharashtra government that on May 18, Khedkar attempted to pressure Deputy Commissioner of Police Vivek Pansare to release Ishwar Uttarwade, who had been arrested by Panvel police in connection with a theft case.
Khedkar allegedly called DCP Pansare, asserting that Uttarwade was innocent and the charges against him were minor. She identified herself as an IAS officer during the call.
DCP Pansare, however, was skeptical about the caller's claim of being an IAS officer. The Navi Mumbai police proceeded with the case against Uttarwade without taking Khedkar's call seriously. Uttarwade remains in judicial custody.
Upon learning about the 32-year-old IAS officer's conduct, the Navi Mumbai police contacted the Pune District Collector's office and a senior official in the Home Department.
Acting on the Home Department official's advice, DCP Pansare sent a two-page report to Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik through Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe. Sujata Saunik holds additional charge of the Home Department.
Puja Khedkar has been in the spotlight recently due to a series of misconducts, with new allegations emerging daily. Khedkar reportedly used a red beacon on her private vehicle, which she kept on even during the day, and occupied the antechamber of a senior officer at the District Magistrate’s office.
Additionally, it has been revealed that Khedkar's private Audi car received 21 traffic challans while she was residing in Pune.
Taking serious note of these issues, the authorities have transferred Khedkar to Washim district. RTI activist and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Leader Vijay Kumbhar has claimed that the Audi car used by IAS officer Puja Khedkar belongs to Thermoverita Engineering Pvt Ltd, a company with notable ties to Puja's family.