Pune: Puja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer, has not appeared to record her statement despite being issued a second summons by Pune Police in a harassment complaint against District Collector Suhas Divase. Khedkar was given two days to comply but did not show up by Saturday (July 20) evening.
Shailesh Balkawade, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) said, "Despite being issued summons twice by Pune Police, Puja Khedkar has not appeared. She was not at her residence either, and contact could not be made as her mobile phone is switched off. Therefore, a third summons has been sent to her via email. If she fails to appear, legal action will be taken."
Khedkar had filed the harassment complaint against Divase in Washim. Following the complaint, she was ordered to record her statement with Pune Police.
Although she requested two days to comply, senior police officials confirmed that she did not arrive by the expected time on Saturday evening.
Khedkar, who was appointed as a trainee IAS officer in the District Collector's office, accused Divase of harassment during her tenure.
Washim Police had earlier interrogated her, and she reiterated the harassment allegations in her statement. The complaint was transferred to Pune Police, who issued two summonses, but Khedkar did not respond by the given deadline.
Moreover, Khedkar had submitted certificates claiming visual impairment and income, but an investigation by the Union Public Service Commission found fraud, including changes to parental names, signatures, email, and address.
A show-cause notice has been issued, and she will have the opportunity to present her case before any further legal action is taken, as stated by the Union Public Service Commission.
While in training, Khedkar used a private luxury car with a red beacon and a Maharashtra government insignia. She also demanded a private room for meetings and hired personal attendants, revealing her extravagant behavior.
Complaints about Khedkar's conduct were made by officials at the District Collector’s office. District Collector Divase sent a report on Khedkar’s behavior to the state government, which subsequently transferred her to Washim.
Khedkar's training in Washim has been suspended from July 16. The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, has ceased her training in Maharashtra.
Additional Chief Secretary Nitin Gadre issued orders for Khedkar to report to Mussoorie by July 23. Following these orders, the Washim district administration had relieved her from her duties.
