Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar alleges harassment by Pune District Collector amid transfer controversy
Trainee IAS Officer Pooja Khedkar Debarred For Multiple Exam Attempts And MisrepresentationÂ
Puja Khedkar alleges harassment by Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase, leading to transfer.
Puja Khedkar, a 34-year-old trainee IAS officer, has filed a harassment complaint against Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase, alleging that his actions led to her transfer from Pune to Washim.
According to sources, Khedkar’s transfer followed Diwase’s report to the state government about her alleged misuse of power. This report has attracted significant media attention, focusing on her claims of disability and use of the OBC non-creamy layer quota for her IAS selection.
Khedkar’s conduct while stationed at the Pune Collector’s office has come under intense scrutiny. On Monday night, police officers visited her residence in Washim in connection with the ongoing investigation. An official stated, “Women police personnel visited Khedkar at her residence when she lodged a complaint of harassment against Pune district collector Suhas Diwase.”
When asked about the police visit, Khedkar mentioned, “I had called female police personnel because I had some work,” without elaborating further.
In a letter to the Chief Secretary, Collector Suhas Diwase highlighted demands made by Khedkar, which were deemed inappropriate for a probation officer. Diwase reported that Khedkar sought special privileges, including a designated cabin and vehicle, before her official joining date of June 3. He noted that Khedkar refused an offered chamber due to the absence of an attached bathroom.
WhatsApp messages revealed Khedkar’s directives to arrange her demands prior to joining, stating, “Pls get the designated cabin m vehicle done before I join on 3rd. Later there will be no time.
If it is not possible let me know, I will talk to collector sir accordingly.”
In his report, Diwase suggested that continuing Khedkar’s training in Pune would be inappropriate and could lead to administrative complications. Following this report, Khedkar was transferred to Washim to complete her training. The allegations of misuse of power have also brought to light accusations of forging disability certificates to clear the civil services exam.
Amid the controversy, the Centre has put Khedkar’s district training program on hold. An order from the Centre stated that she has been relieved of her training duties and must report to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) by July 23.
