The Centre on Thursday set up a single-member committee to probe the raft of allegations against trainee IAS Puja Khedkar, including her candidature, which she allegedly secured by misusing the disability and Other Backward Class quota. The Centre, in its statement said that the investigation would be carried out by an additional secretary-rank officer, who will verify Khedkar's candidature claims along with other details of the probationary officer, who has been allotted the Maharashtra cadre.
"The committee will submit its report in two weeks," the statement said.
Khedkar Assumes New Role As Assistant Collector In Washim
Meanwhike, Puja Khedkar assumed her new role as Assistant Collector at the Washim District Collectorate in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region. This came after she was transferred from Pune, where she allegedly bullied people around her. Khedkar also had a private luxury car Audi, on which she had placed a red beacon, against rules.
The 34-year-old officer has been under scrutiny for allegedly misusing her powers and manipulating benefits under the OBC and physical disabilities category quota, in order to secure her position in the civil services.
Khedkar arrived at her Washim office on Thursday in a modest Bolero car, in a notable shift from her beacon adorned Audi.
Despite the mounting claims against her, Khedkar refused to address the accusations, saying that government regulations do not permit her to comment on the issue.
Responding to the allegations against her, Khedkar told reporters: "I am not authorised to speak on the issue. Government rules don't provide (allow) me to speak on this."
"I am happy to join duty at the Washim District Collectorate and am looking forward to working here," the probationary officer added.
Pune Police Visits Khedkar's Residence
Pune police officials also visited Khedkar's residence on Thursday to probe the purported misuse of a VIP number and a red beacon light and for her Audi car. However, they could not investigate as the gates were locked.
Her mother, Manorama Khedkar, who was present on the premises, tried to prevent the media from filming.
Khedkar was transferred to Washim following a complaint from Pune district collector Suhas Diwase to state additional chief secretary Nitin Gadre. Diwase had requested him to consider posting Khedkar in another district, in a bid to avoid any administrative issues.
The Collector had sought action against Khedkar for her behaviour, including illegal occupation of the additional collector Ajay More's chamber, alleged aggressive treatment of junior staff, and sporting a red beacon on her car and flashing it during the day, among many other reasons.
Washim District Collector Buveneswari S said, "Probationer Puja Khedkar joined the district collector's office for training purposes as per the order of the Maharashtra State government order. She will be learning with various government departments during her training period."