IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Embroiled in Controversy: PMC Bulldozes Encroachments

New Delhi: The troubles for trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar have deepened as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) launched a bulldozer operation to clear alleged encroachments outside her family’s bungalow in Baner, Pune. The action follows claims that the Khedkar family extended their property onto the footpath with trees and plants, ignoring prior notices from PMC. Concurrently, questions regarding the authenticity of Puja Khedkar's disability certificate have surfaced, sparking a broader investigation.

The controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, a probationary officer at the Pune Collector’s Office, has intensified with PMC's aggressive action against encroachments adjacent to her residence. Despite warnings, the Khedkar family purportedly enhanced their property by encroaching onto the footpath, leading to the deployment of a bulldozer by PMC authorities.

In parallel, serious allegations have emerged regarding Puja Khedkar’s disability certificate, which raises doubts about the accuracy of the provided address and the validity of supporting documentation. Reports indicate discrepancies between the declared income for disability benefits and the substitution of Aadhaar card requirements with a ration card. Further scrutiny revealed that her certified disability level of 7 percent falls significantly short of the 40 percent threshold mandated for government benefits.

The State Disability Commissioner has urged local authorities to initiate a thorough investigation into these allegations, emphasizing potential legal repercussions if fraudulent claims are substantiated.

Additional controversies surround Puja Khedkar's alleged demand for VIP privileges upon joining her post, including requests for a car, bungalow, and staff from Pune Collector Suhas Diwase. Complaints lodged by Diwase suggest undue pressure exerted by Khedkar's father, Dilip Khedkar, in securing accommodations at the Collector’s Office, despite her probationary status.

Moreover, recent revelations have raised suspicions about the authenticity of documents reportedly used by Khedkar during her application for the UPSC exam. Allegations suggest possible forgery, adding to the escalating controversies surrounding her tenure.

The unfolding situation continues to draw attention and calls for a comprehensive investigation into the multiple allegations against Puja Khedkar, highlighting potential breaches of protocol and ethical standards within administrative circles.