Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Lodges Harassment Complaint Against Pune District Collector

Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar's probation was put on hold by the government today. She was asked to report at LBSNAA in Mussoorie at the earliest.

Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar has registered a harassment complaint against Pune district collector Suhas Diwase with Washim police, an official said on Tuesday. Women police personnel had visited her residence in Washim, where she lodged the harassment complaint against Diwase, news agency PTI reported.

The controversial IAS officer Khedkar has lately been under the scanner over several allegation against her accusing her for misusing the disability as well as Other Backward Class certificates, while clearing the civil services exam.

While Khedkar's disability and OBC certificates are under the scanner, she maintained that she was a victim of fake news and misinformation. Meanwhile, Pune Police stated they would check the authenticity of the disability certificates submitted by her to the UPSC, PTI reported.

Earlier today, Khedkar had refused to elaborate on the police personnel's purpose of visit, while speaking to TV news channels.

"I had called female police personnel because I had some work," she had said.

Govt Puts Puja Khedkar's Probation On Hold

Amidst the ongoing row, the government on Tuesday also put a hold on the Khedkar's 'District Training Program' .

She was summoned back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration for necessary action at the earliest.

The letter from Nitin Gadre, Additional Chief Secretary, addressing Puja Khedakr read: "...LBSNAA, Mussoorie has decided to keep your District Training Program on hold and immediately recall you for further necessary action..."

"You are instructed to join the Academy at the earliest but not later than 23rd July, 2024 under any circumstances," it stated further.

Khedkar recently came under the spotlight after reports surfaced about her alleged demands for a separate office and official car and unauthorised use of a red beacon light on her private luxury car, which was seized by Pune Police on Sunday.

She was subsequently transferred to Washim from Pune on complaint by Pune district collector.