Pune: Pune District Collector Suhas Divase firmly denied allegations, labeling them as baseless, made by Puja Khedkar during the court hearing on Wednesday (July 31).

Puja Khedkar had alleged that her sexual harassment complaint against Divase was the reason behind all the ensuing events related to misconduct allegations against her.

"Puja Khedkar was attached to the District Collector's office from June 3 to June 14. During that period, I met her only three times, and that too in the presence of my officers and lawyers. After June 14, she was attached to the office of the Divisional Commissioner," clarified Suhas Divase.

Divase further stated that Khedkar did not make any allegations during her time there. Even in the letters sent to the state government and in response to my letter, she did not make any such allegations. It was only after she was transferred to Washim that she raised the issue and started making accusations.

Post-Accusation Actions

During Khedkar's training period, Divase had written to the state government about her alleged misconduct. Following Divase's report, Khedkar was transferred to Washim. It was after this transfer that Khedkar accused Divase of sexual harassment.

UPSC Decision

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Wednesday canceled Khedkar's candidature for the 2022 Civil Services Examination and barred her from appearing in any future exams due to rule violations. Khedkar is accused of submitting false disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates.

Judicial Claims

In the Delhi Additional Sessions Court, Khedkar stated that the case against her is being filed due to her sexual harassment complaint against the District Collector.