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SC Grant Relief to Puja Khedkar, Protects from Arrest till Next Hearing

January 15, 2025, 1:52 pm

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has provided relief to Puja Khedkar, an IAS probationer accused of misrepresenting her application for the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination to avail of reservation benefits. The apex court intervened and protected Puja Khedkar from arrest till February 14, 2025, offering her a major reprieve after the Delhi High Court had earlier denied her anticipatory bail.

Supreme Court Notice to Delhi Govt and UPSC

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma issued a notice to the Delhi government and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in response to Khedkar’s plea for anticipatory bail. The case will again be heard on February 14, 2025. Khedkar’s counsel during the proceedings strongly rebutted the allegations against her and asserted her innocence.

Delhi High Court Rejects Bail

The case is from December 2023, when the Delhi High Court refused to grant anticipatory bail to Khedkar, accused of cheating and allegedly wrongfully availing OBC and disability quotas in the UPSC exam. The Delhi Police and the UPSC had opposed the bail plea, considering the seriousness of the accusations against Khedkar. Still, Khedkar had approached the Supreme Court to seek a stay on her arrest.

Cheating Allegations Against Puja Khedkar

The controversy began in July 2023 when the UPSC launched an inquiry into Khedkar’s civil services examination attempt. The UPSC claimed that Khedkar had misrepresented her identity in order to avail multiple attempts in the examination under OBC and disability categories. This led to the registration of a criminal case against her, invoking provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act, and the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act. The Delhi Police subsequently filed an FIR against Khedkar.

Interim Protection Granted in August 2023

After the FIR was filed, Khedkar moved the Delhi High Court for anticipatory bail, citing that she was falsely implicated in the case. Although the High Court rejected her plea initially, it granted her interim protection against arrest on 12 August 2023. The court gave her interim relief several times but ultimately rejected her application for pre-arrest bail in December 2023. This is the reason why Khedkar is now appealing before the Supreme Court.

Khedkar Denies Charges

Khedkar has been denying the charges throughout the legal process, stating that she did not indulge in any fraudulent activities during the UPSC examination process. Her lawyers have argued that the allegations against her are baseless and politically motivated.

The case continues to attract considerable attention, given the profile of the UPSC exams and the necessity to maintain fairness and transparency in the selection process. The Supreme Court has, in the meanwhile, granted Khedkar protection from arrest for the time being, which has been a temporary reprieve for her, and her supporters are hoping for a positive outcome when the matter is taken up again in February.

Legal and Political Ramifications

The result of this case will have deep implications, not only for Khedkar but for the credibility of the UPSC examination process as well. Khedkar will face serious legal repercussions if proven guilty, and he may also be disqualified from appearing in the civil services examinations further. The case has also sparked questions regarding the effectiveness of the systems in place to check on the authenticity of the information furnished by the applicants and to prevent fraudulent practices.

Centre Removes Puja Khedkar From IAS Position With Immediate Effect

September 7, 2024, 6:29 pm

The central government has discharged Puja Khedkar from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect. This decision follows accusations that Khedkar engaged in cheating and wrongfully used Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quota benefits to secure her IAS position. Khedkar has denied all allegations.

According to the order issued on September 6, 2024, Khedkar’s discharge was executed under Rule 12 of the IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954. This rule permits the central government to dismiss probationers if they fail “to pass the re-examination” or if the government deems them “ineligible for recruitment to the Service or unsuitable for being a member of the Service,” among other reasons.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had canceled Khedkar’s candidature on July 31 and barred her from future examinations. Khedkar, who was serving as a probationary IAS officer in Maharashtra, faced additional legal challenges as the UPSC and Delhi Police opposed her anticipatory bail plea. They argued that granting her bail could obstruct the investigation into the “deep-rooted conspiracy” and undermine public trust and the integrity of the civil services examination.

Earlier controversies surrounding Khedkar included allegations of demanding a separate office and official car, as well as unauthorized use of a beacon on her private Audi. Initially stationed in Pune, she was later transferred to Washim by the Pune district collector amid the ongoing scrutiny. Her ‘district training program’ was subsequently put on hold, and she was summoned back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie for further action.

Khedkar has claimed that she is a victim of misinformation and “fake news” regarding her disability and OBC certificates.

Delhi Police Allege Suspended IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Submitted Two Disability Certificates, One Suspected as Forged

September 4, 2024, 2:13 pm

The Delhi Police, in a new status report submitted to the Delhi High Court, has raised concerns that suspended trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar may have submitted a forged disability certificate. According to the report, Khedkar provided two disability certificates, allegedly issued by the Medical Authority in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, during the Civil Services Examinations in 2022 and 2023.

Upon investigation, it was found that one of the certificates (No. MH2610119900342407) was not recorded as issued by the Medical Authority in Ahmednagar, suggesting that it might be forged. The Civil Surgeon’s office in Ahmednagar confirmed that the certificate in question did not match their records.

In a previous court session, the Delhi High Court extended interim protection from arrest for Khedkar. Justice Subramonium Prasad postponed the hearing on her anticipatory bail plea to September 5, awaiting the Delhi Police’s updated status report.

Khedkar, who faces charges of cheating and misusing OBC and disability quota benefits, argued in her recent court filing that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) does not have the authority to disqualify her. The High Court had earlier issued notices to both the Delhi Police and UPSC regarding her anticipatory bail request.

The court also instructed the police not to arrest Khedkar while the case remains under review, noting that immediate arrest was not necessary. The High Court observed that the trial court’s earlier denial of bail lacked a substantial discussion of the case, only briefly mentioning the Public Prosecutor’s claims of involvement by others.

UPSC has labeled Khedkar as the “mastermind” behind the alleged fraud, arguing that her actions likely required assistance from others, thereby justifying the need for custodial interrogation. Khedkar’s plea to the Delhi High Court follows the rejection of her bail request by the Patiala House Court, which emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against her, including falsifying identity to gain extra attempts in the civil services examination.

Delhi HC Grants Interim Relief to Suspended IAS Officer Puja Khedkar

August 12, 2024, 1:57 pm

The Delhi High Court on Monday granted interim relief to suspended IAS officer Puja Khedkar, barring her immediate arrest in connection with an anticipatory bail plea. The court issued notices to the Delhi Police and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) after Khedkar challenged a district court’s decision denying her bail. The FIR alleges that Khedkar falsified her identity to gain extra attempts in the civil services examination.

Justice Subramonium Prasad, after reviewing the submissions, directed the investigating agency not to arrest Khedkar while the case is under consideration, with a detailed hearing scheduled for August 21. The High Court noted that the trial court’s order lacked substantial discussion and merely referenced the Public Prosecutor’s claims about others’ involvement. As a result, the court instructed the police not to arrest Khedkar until Friday, pending further proceedings.

During the hearing, the UPSC argued that Khedkar was the “mastermind” behind the alleged scheme, asserting that custodial interrogation is necessary. Khedkar’s plea in the Delhi High Court follows the Patiala House Court’s recent denial of her bail request, citing the seriousness of the allegations against her, which include falsifying identity for additional civil services exam attempts.

The trial court judge, Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala, emphasized the need for custodial interrogation to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and others’ involvement. The judge ruled that this case was not suitable for granting anticipatory bail.

Khedkar faces charges under Sections 420, 468, 471, 120B IPC, 66D of the IT Act, and Sections 89/91 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. She is accused of cheating the complainant (UPSC) by misrepresentation, preparing documents to support her claims, and allegedly executing a premeditated conspiracy over several years. The court noted that the accused could not have carried out the conspiracy without assistance.

The court also highlighted the scrutiny of Khedkar’s OBC (non-creamy layer) status and her classification as a person with multiple benchmark disabilities. It emphasized the need for the UPSC, as a Constitutional body conducting exams for prestigious posts, to maintain transparency and fairness in its procedures. The case may represent just the “tip of the iceberg,” potentially indicating broader exploitation of the system.

The court directed the investigating agency to expand its inquiry to include recent candidates who may have similarly exploited the system and to determine whether any UPSC insiders were involved in aiding Khedkar’s illegal actions.

Recently, the Delhi High Court granted Puja Khedkar the liberty to challenge the cancellation of her candidature in the appropriate forum, with the UPSC promising to provide her with the cancellation order within two days.

Delhi Court Denies Pre-Arrest Bail to Puja Khedkar Accused of Falsifying Information

August 1, 2024, 6:12 pm

A Delhi court on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail request of former trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who is accused of cheating and forging documents to secure selection in the Civil Service Examination. This decision follows the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelling her candidature amid a massive controversy.

During the hearing, Khedkar claimed she was being targeted for filing a sexual harassment complaint against an officer and sought anticipatory bail “to establish her innocence.” The prosecution opposed the application, asserting that she had “cheated the system.”

Khedkar, selected as an IAS officer in the 2023 batch of the Maharashtra cadre, is accused of forging documents, including a Physical Disability Certificate and Non-Creamy Layer Certificate, to obtain OBC reservation in the examination. She allegedly faked her identity to attend the UPSC examination beyond the permissible limit.

Public prosecutor Atul Srivastava argued that the investigation is “at a very nascent stage” and that her custodial interrogation is required. “These kinds of persons who cheat the system must be dealt with very seriously. This person has abused the process of law,” he submitted, adding that the chances of her continuing to abuse the law remain.

“Changed Her & Parents’ Name”: How Former IAS Trainee Officer Puja Khedkar Duped UPSC

July 31, 2024, 6:12 pm

Puja Khedkar, a former IAS trainee officer, has been exposed for fraudulently passing the Civil Services entrance exam multiple times beyond the permissible limit for general category candidates. Khedkar achieved this by changing her name and the names of her parents, which allowed her to bypass detection by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Her case came under scrutiny after allegations surfaced that she had faked visual and mental disabilities to qualify for the exam.

The UPSC, responsible for overseeing the exam, admitted that it had only conducted a preliminary scrutiny of Khedkar’s certificates during the application process. This involved verifying if the certificates were issued by a competent authority but did not extend to reviewing the validity of the claims made. The UPSC noted that due to the large volume of certificates submitted annually, it generally accepts the certificates as genuine without further investigation.

Upon discovering the fraud, the UPSC revoked Khedkar’s selection as a junior government officer and banned her from taking any future UPSC exams. The Commission issued a notice to Khedkar, providing her until 3:30 PM on Tuesday to respond. Despite this extension, she failed to provide an explanation, leading to the cancellation of her provisional candidature.

The UPSC’s review of records from 15,000 other candidates between 2009 and 2023 found no similar violations. Khedkar, who had been posted to Pune as an Assistant Collector and later transferred to Washim district before being recalled to a training institute in Uttarakhand, had previously received perks such as a siren for her luxury vehicle and a government sticker, which drew further scrutiny.

Additionally, Khedkar’s claims to an OBC ‘non-creamy layer’ status were invalidated when it was revealed that her father, Dilip Khedkar, a former Maharashtra government officer, owned property worth ₹40 crore. Khedkar’s disability claim, which alleged an “old ACL tear with left knee instability,” was also questioned. In response to the allegations, Khedkar had accused Pune Collector Suhas Divase of harassment, but Divase has denied these charges.

UPSC Cancels Candidature of Trainee IAS Puja Khedkar and Bars Her from Future Exams

July 31, 2024, 5:00 pm

On Wednesday, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the cancellation of Puja Khedkar’s provisional candidature for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. Khedkar has also been permanently barred from all future UPSC examinations and selections.

This decision follows an earlier show cause notice issued on July 18, which accused Khedkar of fraudulently exceeding the permissible number of attempts by falsifying her identity. Khedkar was initially given until July 25 to respond but requested an extension until August 4 to gather necessary documents. The UPSC granted an extension until July 30, clearly stating that this would be the final opportunity for her to submit a response. She was informed that no further extensions would be granted and that any failure to meet the deadline would result in further action without consideration of additional references from her.

Despite the extension, Khedkar failed to submit her explanation within the allotted time. The UPSC reviewed the available records and found her actions to be in violation of the CSE 2022 rules. Consequently, her provisional candidature has been canceled, and she is permanently debarred from all future UPSC exams.

In light of this case, the UPSC has reviewed data from over 15,000 recommended candidates from 2009 to 2023 to assess the number of attempts made by each. The commission found no other instances of candidates exceeding the allowed number of attempts, aside from Khedkar’s case. The UPSC’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) had not detected Khedkar’s multiple attempts because she had changed both her name and her parents’ names. The UPSC is now working on strengthening the SOP to prevent similar issues in the future.

Meanwhile, Puja Khedkar has sought anticipatory bail from Delhi’s Patiala House Court. The court has reserved its order on her plea following an FIR filed against her for allegedly using a false identity to fraudulently increase her attempts. Khedkar has maintained her innocence, arguing that she has been wrongly accused and asserting that no prima facie offense is evident from the FIR.

UPSC Cancels Provisional Candidature Of Controversial IAS Officer Puja Khedkar

July 31, 2024, 4:05 pm

The provisional candidature of controversial trainee IAS officer Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar was cancelled by the Union Public Service Commission in view of the irregularities noticed in her application related to the civil services examination, 2022. Moreover, Khedkar is debarred from appearing at any examination conducted by UPSC.

According to the investigations, Khedkar, who had secured an all-India rank of 821 in the UPSC examinations, had misused her powers to avail herself of more attempts at the civil services examination, which was actually barred due to identity manipulation. This included changing her name, parents’ names, photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address to bypass examination rules.

Thereafter, the UPSC filed an FIR against her with Delhi police. The UPSC said that Khedkar had produced fake documents to claim physical disability and issued her a show-cause notice.

The decision comes after the Maharashtra government struck her off the District Training Programme and called her back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie. Her training has been suspended by the institution.

A Delhi court will hear Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea today. The hearing was adjourned from Tuesday after the public prosecutor sought more time. Meanwhile, Khedkar’s mother Manorama Khedkar was remanded in 14-day judicial custody by a Pune court recently in connection with a land dispute case for allegedly threatening people with a gun.

UPSC Plans Biometric Tech Upgrade; Deshmukh Alleges BJP Pressure

July 25, 2024, 2:25 pm

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced plans to adopt advanced digital biometric technologies to prevent impersonation and fraud in its exams, prompted by recent incidents like trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar allegedly using false identity to sit for exams. UPSC aims to enhance exam integrity through measures such as Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, QR code scanning for e-Admit Cards, and AI-based CCTV surveillance, though specific rollout dates are pending.

In another story, former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh accused a BJP intermediary, allegedly linked to Devendra Fadnavis, of pressuring him to file false affidavits against Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray. Deshmukh claimed this was in exchange for protection from investigations by ED and CBI, which he declined, resulting in actions against him. Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut supported Deshmukh’s allegations, calling it a conspiracy. Fadnavis dismissed the claims as baseless, vowing to present evidence if accusations persist. BJP’s Ram Kadam questioned the timing, suggesting political motives ahead of elections.

Puja Khedkar ‘Out of Reach’, Fails to Report to IAS Training Academy

July 24, 2024, 2:34 pm

Puja Khedkar, a trainee IAS official who has been accused of abusing her authority as a bureaucrat, failed to report to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie on time. Puja Khedkar was expected to attend the trainee IAS academy on Tuesday but failed to do so.

Puja Khedkar is claimed to be ‘out of reach’ after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) launched a criminal action against her for “misrepresenting and falsifying facts” on her civil service application. Khedkar’s phone is apparently turned off, and she is no longer in contact with the civil services.

The 34-year-old trainee IAS officer from the 2023 batch reportedly forged documents to appear for the UPSC exam numerous times. UPSC issued a show cause notice to Khedkar, canceling her selection and perhaps preventing her from sitting the civil services test again.

She was supposed to report to the IAS training academy on July 23 but did not show up without warning. The Delhi Police has now filed a complaint against the trainee IAS official, and the investigation is underway.

Pune Police Score Breakthrough In Case of Manorama Khedkar, IAS Officer’s Mother Gun Threat Incident

July 20, 2024, 1:35 pm

Pune Police have seized a pistol and three bullets from the residence of Manorama Khedkar, the mother of the controversial IAS trainee Puja Khedkar. Manorama Khedkar was arrested on Thursday in Raigad district, following a viral video where she was seen brandishing a gun and threatening villagers over a land dispute.

The police have also confiscated the SUV featured in the video, which has sparked significant public outrage. Manorama Khedkar faces multiple charges, including attempted murder. Along with her husband and three others, she is accused of threatening Pandharinath Pasalkar, a 65-year-old resident of Dhadwali village in Pune’s Mulshi tehsil, on June 4, 2023. According to the prosecution, Manorama Khedkar allegedly aimed the gun at Pasalkar’s head, and he only avoided being shot because he ducked in fear while others restrained her.

The police have requested Manorama’s custodial interrogation to further investigate the case and trace other involved parties. They also intend to check if she had threatened others with the weapon.

Puja Khedkar, currently under scrutiny for alleged misconduct related to her UPSC candidature, faces a criminal case for “misrepresenting and falsifying facts.” The UPSC has issued a show cause notice about her 2022 examination and is considering barring her from future exams. The government has paused her district training program, as she returns to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie for further action.

Company Linked To IAS Officer Puja Khedkar’s Mother Sealed Over Tax Default In Pune

July 19, 2024, 7:00 pm

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has sealed ThermoVerita, a company linked to Manorama Khedkar, mother of IAS officer Puja Khedkar, in Pune due to an alleged tax default amounting to Rs 2.77 lakh. This action follows controversy involving probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who reportedly used the company’s address to secure a disability certificate from YCM Hospital Pimpri Chinchwad.

According to Shekhar Singh, PCMC Commissioner, ThermoVerita India Pvt. Ltd. has had unpaid property tax for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. “Since the dues for 2023 remained unpaid, we first issued notices and then disconnected their water supply. As the dues have been outstanding for two years, we have now sealed the property,” Singh explained. The total outstanding amount, including the current year’s dues, is Rs 2.77 lakh.

On Friday, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced that it has filed an FIR against IAS probationer Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar for allegedly “faking her identity to fraudulently obtain additional attempts beyond the permissible limit.” The UPSC also issued a show cause notice regarding the potential cancellation of her selection and a ban from future examinations. The investigation revealed that Khedkar fraudulently altered her identity, including changes to her name, parents’ names, photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address to bypass examination rules. Khedkar was a provisionally recommended candidate for the Civil Service Examination, 2022.

UPSC Cancels IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar’s Candidature Over Exam Fraud

July 19, 2024, 2:45 pm

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken stringent action against IAS probationer Puja Khedkar by filing a case and issuing a show cause notice for the cancellation of her candidature from the Civil Services Examination 2022. Khedkar, a provisionally recommended candidate, is also facing debarment from future exams.

In an official statement released on Friday, July 19, the UPSC detailed the findings of a thorough investigation into Khedkar’s conduct. The investigation revealed that she fraudulently exceeded the permissible number of attempts for the Civil Services Examination by falsifying her identity. She allegedly changed her name, her parents‘ names, her photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address to evade the examination rules.

UPSC has, initiated a series of actions against her, including Criminal Prosecution by filing an FIR with the Police Authorities and has issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) for cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination-2022/ debarment from future… pic.twitter.com/ho417v93Ek

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2024

“The UPSC filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the police authorities, initiating a sequence of proceedings against her, including criminal prosecution. A show cause notice has been issued for the cancellation of her candidature and debarment from future examinations, in accordance with the rules of the Civil Services Examination 2022,” the statement read.

The UPSC emphasized its unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity and fairness of its examination processes. The commission assured that it adheres strictly to its Constitutional mandate and conducts all examinations with the highest level of due diligence.

“The UPSC has deservedly earned the trust and credibility of a very high order from the public, especially the candidates. The Commission is unequivocally committed to ensuring that this high order of trust and credibility remains intact and uncompromised,” the statement further noted.

How Police Nabbed Manorama Khedkar, IAS Officer’s Mother? She Borrowed Aadhaar, Switched Off Her Phone

July 19, 2024, 11:59 am

Manorama Khedkar, the mother of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, was apprehended by authorities on Thursday from a homestay in Raigad district. The arrest followed her alleged involvement in a land dispute incident that escalated to attempted murder charges.

Pune Rural SP Pankaj Deshmukh detailed the sequence of events, revealing that Manorama had traveled by a private cab to various locations before arriving at the homestay around 11 pm on Wednesday. She registered under the alias “Indubai Dhakane,” using the Aadhaar card of the cab driver’s mother, while the driver, Dadasaheb Dhakane, presented his own Aadhaar card to secure the booking.

Authorities, who had been monitoring Manorama’s movements, were alerted when her cellphone, under surveillance, became active in Hirkaniwadi. A team was dispatched to the location, leading to her swift apprehension.

The Paud police had initiated a case on July 12 after a video emerged on social media, showing Manorama brandishing a .25 Webley & Scott pistol during a confrontation with farmers in Dhadhawali village, Mulshi taluka, on June 5, 2023. The video prompted Pandharinath Pasalkar, one of the farmers involved, to lodge a formal complaint.

In his statement, Pasalkar recounted how Manorama arrived in a four-wheeler and began arguing over a disputed parcel of land. When told that the matter was pending in civil court, she allegedly threatened and abused him and the other villagers. Pasalkar further claimed that Manorama pointed a pistol at his head and was about to pull the trigger when he panicked and sat down, prompting her companions to restrain her.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Amar Nanaware informed the court that the police have added an attempted murder charge based on Pasalkar’s supplementary statement. Nanaware emphasized the need for Manorama’s custodial remand to recover the licensed pistol and trace her movements while she was evading arrest. He also highlighted the necessity of apprehending other suspects named in the FIR and investigating the land dispute’s background.

Manorama Khedkar appeared before Judicial Magistrate First Class Sudhir G Barde in Paud on Thursday afternoon. She was remanded in police custody until July 20, following Nanaware’s submissions.

Manohar Aukirkar, the owner of ‘Parvati Nivas’ homestay, recounted the events leading to Manorama’s stay. “At around 11 pm on Wednesday, a man arrived in a car and requested a room for himself and his mother. Due to the heavy rain and the presence of a woman, we took a compassionate approach and provided them a room,” Aukirkar explained. He confirmed that they verified the man’s Aadhaar card, which matched Dadasaheb Dhakane’s details, and accepted the woman as Indubai Dhakane based on his word.

The incident follows a series of controversies involving Manorama’s daughter, IAS officer Puja Khedkar. Puja was recently transferred to Washim from Pune for requesting unauthorized facilities. Subsequently, allegations surfaced regarding the authenticity of her OBC and disability certificates, which were instrumental in her securing an IAS position despite a sub-800 UPSC score.

As investigations continue, the spotlight remains on the Khedkar family, unraveling more questions about their actions and the consequences they now face.

Manorama Khedkar, Gun-Toting Mother Of IAS Officer- Puja Khedkar, Arrested; Father Still At Large

July 18, 2024, 3:42 pm

In the early hours of Thursday, Pune Rural Police apprehended Manorama Khedkar, mother of IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar, from a lodge in Mahad, Raigad district. The arrest is linked to charges of rioting, threatening behavior, and violation of the Arms Act.

The Paud police in rural Pune registered the case against Manorama and six others, including Puja’s father, Dilip Khedkar, on July 12. This followed the circulation of a viral video on social media showing Manorama brandishing a .25 Webley & Scott pistol during a heated argument with farmers over a land ownership dispute in Dhadhawali village, Mulshi tehsil, on June 5, 2023. The video also depicted her accompanied by private bouncers. One of the farmers involved subsequently lodged a complaint.

Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural) Pankaj Deshmukh informed the Times of India, “Our team tracked down Manorama’s movements and detained her at the lodge in Mahad early Thursday morning. We continue to search for Dilip Khedkar.”

A senior Pune Rural police officer, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that Manorama had been using a private cab to move between different locations since the case was registered against her.

Manorama was expected to be presented before a magisterial court in Paud on Thursday afternoon for custodial remand proceedings. In their efforts to locate the Khedkar couple, separate police teams had previously visited Pathardi in Ahmednagar district, where the Khedkars have their ancestral home, as well as Lonavla and Mumbai.

Manorama Khedkar was issued a firearm license by Pune City Police in 2000 for self-defense. Following the case registered by the Paud police, Pune City Police issued a notice to Manorama, demanding an explanation for why her firearm license should not be revoked due to the violation of license terms.

With Manorama’s formal arrest by Pune Rural Police, the investigation continues as authorities search for her husband and other accomplices involved in the incident.

Father of Puja Khedkar Suspended Twice Over Extortion Allegations

July 18, 2024, 2:05 pm

Dilip Khedkar, a retired Maharashtra government officer and father of trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, is currently evading authorities after he and his wife Manorama Khedkar faced legal action. This followed a viral video showing Manorama threatening people with a gun. The Pune Anti-Corruption Bureau has also started investigating allegations of disproportionate assets against Dilip Khedkar.

Documents reveal Dilip Khedkar had been suspended twice previously, in 2018 and 2020, due to corruption charges. In 2018, complaints from local associations accused him of demanding bribes to restore utilities for businesses. Further complaints in 2019 alleged he sought ₹20 lakh from a company. The suspension in 2020 cited multiple misconduct complaints and initiated an inquiry.

The spotlight on the Khedkars intensified after allegations surfaced regarding Puja Khedkar’s IAS selection under disability and OBC quotas, which were disputed due to inconsistencies in her disability claim verification. The Centre has now ordered an investigation into her selection process, leading to her training being halted.

Police are currently searching for Dilip Khedkar and his wife, who have become unreachable amidst these legal and investigative proceedings.

Controversy Erupts Over Pune IAS Officer’s Address and Business Ties

July 17, 2024, 4:13 pm

Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer in Pune, is facing scrutiny over discrepancies in her application for a disability certificate, specifically concerning her residential address linked to Thermoverita Engineering Pvt Ltd, a defunct company. According to municipal records, Khedkar submitted a ration card indicating Thermoverita as her residential address, despite no family ties to the company’s ownership or board. The land on which Thermoverita was located is owned by Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, and is classified as commercial property by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Importantly, there is no residential structure on this property.

Further investigation revealed errors in the ration card, stating ‘plot’ number 53 instead of the correct ‘gat’ number 53, which corresponds to the company’s land. Additionally, property tax amounting to approximately Rs 2.8 lakh has reportedly gone unpaid for the past three years. Despite Thermoverita ceasing operations in 2019, it retains registration for Khedkar’s Audi, equipped with government beacon and Maharashtra government stickers.

Authorities emphasize the mandatory requirement of submitting accurate local address proof for disability certificate applications, yet hospital officials reportedly do not verify addresses provided by applicants. Documents from the Union ministry of corporate affairs confirm Thermoverita’s inactive status since 2019, raising questions about the legitimacy of Khedkar’s residential claim tied to the company.

Maharashtra Halts Training for Controversial IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar

July 16, 2024, 6:47 pm

On Tuesday, the Maharashtra Government ordered trainee Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Puja Khedkar to return to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The directive, issued by Additional Chief Secretary Nitin Gadre, states that Khedkar’s district training program has been put on hold, and she must report back to the academy by July 23, 2024, at the latest.

Allegations and Controversies

Puja Khedkar recently attracted attention following allegations of demanding a separate office and an official car, as well as unauthorized use of a beacon in her private car. Earlier this month, Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase submitted a report to the state government detailing “objectionable behavior” by Khedkar and her father.

Academic and Career Background

Khedkar completed her MBBS and made several attempts at the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, securing a position in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) in 2019. However, she did not join due to “technical issues in her OBC allocation.” In 2021, she secured the 821st rank in the Civil Services Examination but later faced a legal battle against the UPSC in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) for not presenting herself for a medical examination to confirm her disability claim.

Puja Khedkar’s journey from medicine to the IAS, marred by controversies and legal disputes, continues to unfold as she heads back to the academy for further necessary action.

Pune Police Visits To Khedkar Bungalow Unanswered Amid Rioting Probe

July 15, 2024, 4:29 pm

Early on Sunday morning, teams from both Pune Rural and Pune City police arrived at the Baner residence of Manorama Khedkar, mother of trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, seeking to question her about a recent rioting incident. Despite two visits at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., the officers left without any interaction as their calls at the gates went unanswered.

Pune Rural Superintendent of Police, Pankaj Deshmukh, informed the Times of India, “We aimed to interrogate Manorama Khedkar regarding a rioting and threatening case filed by the Paud police, following a farmer’s complaint from Dhadawali in Mulshi taluka.”

The case, registered on Friday night, involves a video from June 5, 2023, showing Manorama brandishing a pistol during a confrontation with farmers over a land dispute, accompanied by private bouncers.

On Saturday, police gathered statements from witnesses in Dhadawali and conducted a spot inspection. The following morning, officials from Paud police and the Rural police’s local crime branch attempted to visit Manorama’s bungalow. “We also sought information about the private bouncers and others present during the incident,” Deshmukh added. Despite their efforts, there was no response from inside the locked gates.

Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar announced on Saturday that Manorama’s .25 bore Webley and Scott pistol license, issued in 2000 for self-defense, was under scrutiny. The police intended to deliver a notice demanding an explanation for the alleged misuse of the firearm, with the threat of revoking the license.

Senior Inspector Shailesh Shankhe and his Chatushrungi police team made a second visit to the bungalow at 10 a.m. to serve the notice. Again, there was no response, prompting the officers to paste the notice on the gate before departing.

The notice details the rioting case and accuses Manorama of violating her firearm license terms. It demands a response within ten days, warning of license cancellation if she fails to comply.