Days after the conundrum of trainee IAS Puja Khedkar’s “atrocious demands for privilege and perks” and allegations of “certificate forgery before the UPSC,” the media faced the wrath of the concerned Officer’s mother, who was infuriated at the view of media and paparazzi swarming outside the gate of their accommodation.
In the viral video, Officer Khedkar’s mother, who was being inquired about the developments regarding the ‘Fake certificate saga’ by the media persons, lost her cool and lashed out at them (visuals showing her charging at the media physically) saying (in Marathi), “If my daughter ends her life (due to the persistent grilling by local authorities and media), I shall put you all behind the bars!”
Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer from the 2022 batch, has been at the centre of a controversy in Pune, leading to her abrupt transfer to the Washim district in central Maharashtra. She was posted as an assistant collector in Pune. She secured an All India Rank of 821 under the Physical Disability (PWD-5) category in the UPSC exams.
The controversy started after she was making VIP demands, including the use of her private Audi car fitted with a red-blue beacon light and VIP number plate, along with a ‘Maharashtra government’ board affixed to the vehicle. According to reports, Khedkar had also sought separate accommodation, a cabin, car, residential quarters, and a peon even before officially joining her duties on June 3. However, authorities informed her that such privileges were not applicable during her probationary period, and that accommodation would be provided accordingly.
Most importantly, she has come under scrutiny for seeking special privileges and faking certificates. Activists are calling for a thorough investigation into her recruitment. In response, the Centre has formed a single-member committee, led by a senior officer at the Additional Secretary level, to verify her claims and details. The committee will submit its report within two weeks
