New Delhi: IAS probationary officer Puja Khedkar is facing an investigation after allegedly falsifying information regarding her disability and Other Backward Class status to gain entry into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Khedkar, who has been assigned to the Maharashtra cadre, has also reportedly accumulated 21 traffic violation challans, including speeding, jumping signals, and failing to stop when signalled by the police.

Khedkar allegedly misused a red beacon, reserved for VIP government vehicles, and affixed a ‘Government of Maharashtra’ plate to her private Audi sedan. The car, registered under Thermoverita Engineering Private Limited, has pending traffic fines amounting to Rs 26,000 since 2022, as the Times of India reported. An additional fine of Rs 500 was recently issued for the misuse of the beacon and government plate, according to Pune’s regional transport office (RTO). The car was originally registered on January 27, 2012.

In light of these allegations, the Central Government has formed a single-member committee to scrutinize Khedkar’s candidature and other details. An additional secretary-rank officer will conduct the probe and is expected to submit a report within two weeks.

Khedkar has also been accused of bullying officials at the Pune Collector’s office. Leaked WhatsApp messages reveal her demanding confirmation of her seating arrangement and vehicle. Following these incidents, she was transferred from Pune to Washim in the Vidarbha region.

Despite the growing accusations, the 34-year-old officer has refrained from commenting, citing government regulations prohibiting her from speaking. Upon her transfer to Washim, Khedkar stated, “I am happy to join duty at the Washim District Collectorate and am looking forward to working here.”

In response to the allegations, Pune district collector Suhas Diwase wrote to the state additional chief secretary, Nitin Gadre, highlighting Khedkar’s aggressive behavior towards junior staff, unauthorized occupation of an additional collector’s office, and misuse of a red beacon on her vehicle. Washim District Collector Buveneswari S confirmed Khedkar’s arrival for training purposes and her involvement in various government departments during her probation period.