The Pune Traffic Police has seized the Audi car used by trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar, who recently faced action over alleged misuse of power. The vehicle has been brought to the police station.
Khedkar had used a red and blue beacon along with a VIP number plate on the private car, in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act. She had also got ‘Maharashtra Government’ written on the vehicle without permission.
Additionally, the vehicle has been fined Rs 26,000 for a total of 21 traffic violations, an official said.
On Saturday night, Khedkar’s family driver handed over the keys to the Chatushringi traffic police station after a notice was issued by the traffic police department, directing the owners to submit documents of the car. However, the documents have not been submitted to the traffic department yet.
The 34-year-old officer, Puja Khedkar, is in the eye of a storm over alleged misuse of power, aggressive behaviour, and other irregularities in the UPSC selection.
Khedkar, who is part of the Maharashtra cadre, has been accused of demanding special privileges, such as a separate office, official vehicle, and staff before taking charge as an Assistant Collector in Pune. These facilities are typically not granted to probationary officers. Moreover, she has faced criticism for allegedly using a private Audi car with government insignia and a beacon light.
Questions have also been raised about the circumstances surrounding her appointment, with claims of misuse of disability and OBC quotas. She claimed non-creamy layer status to get the OBC quota benefits; however, documents showed that her family has assets worth over Rs 60 crores.
She also claimed to have visual impairment but allegedly skipped the mandated physical examination on six different occasions.
Reports of aggressive behaviour towards colleagues and attempted interference in police matters have also added to the growing list of allegations.
Following the Pune District Collector’s report to the Chief Secretary, Puja Khedkar was transferred to Washim.
The central government has formed a panel to look into the allegations against Khedkar and her UPSC recruitment. According to an official who spoke to news agency PTI, Khedkar may be terminated from service if found guilty.
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