Pune Trainee IAS Officer Transferred Over Alleged Misuse of Power
10.07.2024: In a recent development, a probationary IAS officer in Maharashtra has been transferred following allegations of power misuse. Puja Khedkar, who secured an All India Rank of 821 in the UPSC exams, was initially posted as an assistant collector in Pune.
A controversy emerged when Ms. Khedkar reportedly availed facilities not typically granted to probationary officers. She was seen using a red-blue beacon and a “Maharashtra Government” board on her private Audi car. Additionally, she occupied the ante-chamber of additional collector Ajay More in his absence, removed office furniture without permission, and requested a letterhead, nameplate, and other official facilities for personal use.
Pune Collector Suhas Divase reported these violations to the state’s Chief Secretary, resulting in Ms. Khedkar’s transfer from Pune to Washim. According to the transfer order, “The 2023 batch IAS officer will serve the remaining period of her probation as supernumerary assistant collector in Washim district.”
Reports also suggest that Ms. Khedkar’s father, a retired administrative officer, exerted pressure on the District Collector’s office to accommodate her demands.