Pune: Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar has lodged a harassment complaint against Pune district collector and her former superior, Suhas Diwase, in Washim, eastern Maharashtra.
An official confirmed, “Women police personnel visited Khedkar at her Washim residence on Monday, where she filed a harassment complaint against Pune district collector Suhas Diwase.”
Khedkar did not provide details about the police visit, stating, “I had called female police personnel because I had some work.”
Diwase has not responded to calls or messages seeking his reaction.
Khedkar is currently facing scrutiny over her claims regarding disability and OBC certificates, which she used to clear the IAS examination. Her conduct during her tenure at the Pune collector’s office is also under investigation.
Due to the ongoing controversy, the government has suspended Khedkar’s ‘district training program’ and recalled her to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration for “necessary action.”
Khedkar was transferred from Pune to Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector after Diwase reported her conduct to senior officials. Allegations against her include demanding unauthorized facilities and occupying the ante-chamber of a senior official.
Case Filed Against Khedkar’s Parents
Additionally, a case has been filed against Khedkar’s parents, Manorma Khedkar and Dilip Khedkar, for allegedly threatening farmers with a pistol.
Pune Rural SP Pankaj Deshmukh told ANI that the accused are currently on the run. “We have been trying to contact them, but their phones are switched off. We have also attempted to reach their residence, but they are not available,” he said.
Deshmukh added, “Several teams, including officials from the local crime branch and local police stations, are searching for them in Pune and nearby areas where they own farmhouses and other residences. If found, we will question them and take appropriate action.”