Centre forms one-member panel to look into row involving IAS officer Puja Khedkar

Following a complaint from Pune Collector Suhas Divase to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, Khedkar was transferred to Washim, where she will serve the remaining period of her probation as Supernumerary Assistant Collector.

The Centre, on July 11, formed a one-member panel to investigate the controversy surrounding probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, sources revealed. An additional secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) will conduct the inquiry.

Khedkar is accused of misusing benefits under the physical disabilities category and Other Backward Class (OBC) quota to secure a position in the Indian Administrative Service. On Monday, she was transferred from Pune to Washim amid allegations of bullying and entitled behavior.

The 2023-batch IAS officer allegedly lied about her visual and mental disabilities and her OBC background to gain perks not allowed for junior staffers. She also exchanged multiple WhatsApp messages with the Pune Collector's office before her posting, demanding confirmation of her "seating arrangement and vehicle." Moreover, Khedkar used Additional Collector Ajay More's office in his absence, removed office furniture, and demanded letterheads.

Following a complaint from Pune Collector Suhas Divase to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, Khedkar was transferred to Washim, where she will serve the remaining period of her probation as Supernumerary Assistant Collector. She took charge as Assistant Collector at the Washim District Collectorate in the Vidarbha region on Thursday.

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar announced that the police will initiate a probe against probationary IAS officer Pooja Khedkar for allegedly using a blue and red beacon light and installing a 'Maharashtra government' insignia on a private car.