In a developing controversy surrounding probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, she has filed a harassment case against Pune Collector Suhas Divase after being transferred from Pune to Washim amidst allegations of misconduct. Khedkar, who was accused of misusing power and demanding undue perks, has also had her training abruptly cancelled by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie.
The saga began with accusations leveled against Khedkar for purportedly seeking unauthorized benefits during her tenure as assistant collector in Pune. This led to an investigation by the Maharashtra government, triggered by Pune Collector Suhas Divase’s report. Subsequently, she was transferred to Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector pending further actions.In a surprising turn, the LBSNAA decided to halt Khedkar’s district training programme and summoned her back immediately, citing unspecified “necessary action.” This move comes amid swirling controversies regarding her selection into the civil services and the validity of her disability certificates, which are now under scrutiny.Reports indicate that Khedkar, who had earlier submitted disability certificates, is facing questions about their authenticity. A medical examination in August 2022 reportedly confirmed a seven percent locomotor disability, though discrepancies in her disability certification applications have also surfaced.Addressing the media from Washim, Khedkar vehemently denied any wrongdoing, attributing the allegations to a deliberate misinformation campaign against her. She has called for responsible journalism and expressed concerns over what she termed as ongoing defamation.Meanwhile, reactions from officials and medical authorities continue to pour in, with statements affirming the examination process and the issuance of disability certificates. Authorities are now expected to verify the legitimacy of the certificates submitted by Khedkar to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category.
As the controversy deepens, the case of Puja Khedkar underscores broader issues surrounding administrative integrity and the scrutiny faced by civil servants in India. Her decision to file a harassment case against Pune Collector Suhas Divase adds a legal dimension to the ongoing drama. With her training abruptly halted and her career under intense public and official scrutiny, the coming days are likely to bring further developments in this unfolding saga.
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