In a fresh blow to trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, a video has emerged showing her mother, Manorama Khedkar, threatening a group of farmers with a gun. This incident adds to the string of controversies Puja faces, raising questions about her conduct and the Khedkar family’s land dealings.
The video, which went viral recently, shows Manorama engaged in a heated argument with farmers in Mulshi taluka, Pune district. She brandishes a pistol while confronting a man, demanding land documents reportedly in her name. The footage has sparked outrage, prompting the Pune Rural Police to register a case against Manorama under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to assault and criminal intimidation.
This development comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Puja Khedkar’s actions. Accusations against her are that during the UPSC application, she misrepresented her caste and disability status to have an upper hand in the selection process. Also as an IAS officer, she is accused of improper use of power. She has been accused on several occasions of having unauthorized beacons and VIP privileges on board her private car.
The video has emboldened local farmers who allege the Khedkar family has a history of land disputes. Farmers claim they were previously denied by police when trying to file complaints against the family. Exclusively accessed documents by NDTV reveal that Puja owns multiple properties across Maharashtra, raising questions about the legitimacy of her land acquisitions.
Puja’s father, Dilip Khedkar, a retired government officer, is also facing scrutiny regarding these land disputes. The Khedkar family has not responded to these allegations.
The incident has drawn national attention, with the Union government establishing a separate committee to investigate Puja’s claims in her UPSC application. This committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks.
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Puja, through a statement, declined to comment on the allegations, citing government regulations. However, the public outcry and ongoing investigations paint a concerning picture. The video serves as potential evidence for the misuse of power within the Khedkar family, raising questions about the fairness of land acquisitions and the conduct of a public servant.
This situation demands a thorough and transparent investigation. The Pune Police probe into Manorama’s actions and the central government’s committee investigating Puja’s claims must be expedited to ensure justice is served. The outcome of these investigations will be crucial in determining the future of Puja’s career as an IAS officer and potentially expose any wrongdoing within the Khedkar family.
