IAS Officer Puja Khedkar’s Family Sparks Viral Gun Controversy

Introduction

In a dramatic turn of events, the mother of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, Manorama Khedkar, found herself at the center of a viral video controversy. The Pune Rural Police, therefore, detained Manorama Khedkar from Mahad in Raigad district, Maharashtra, for brandishing a gun during a heated altercation.This incident has raised questions about the Khedkar family’s actions and the validity of their claims.

The Incident

In a two-minute video, Manorama Khedkar is seen waving a pistol in a man’s face while yelling at him. Accompanied by her security guards, she attempts to conceal the weapon after the altercation. This incident occurred over a land dispute in Dhadwali village, Pune, where the Khedkar family had allegedly encroached on neighboring farmers’ land. The Pune Rural Police, led by SP Pankaj Deshmukh, initiated an investigation to verify the facts, including the validity of Manorama Khedkar’s firearm license.

Background

Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, has been under intense scrutiny for her alleged demands for a separate office, official car, and unauthorized use of a beacon on her private car during her posting in Pune. Additionally, she faces allegations of misrepresenting her eligibility as an OBC non-creamy layer candidate in her UPSC application. Although she claimed visual and mental disabilities, she refused to undergo tests to validate these claims.

Government Action

Amid the controversy, the government put on hold Puja Khedkar’s district training program. The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, summoned her back for “necessary action.” Maharashtra’s additional chief secretary, Nitin Gadre, confirmed that they immediately decided to recall her.

Conclusion

The Khedkar family continues to face intense media scrutiny as investigations proceed. This incident highlights the broader issues of accountability and transparency among public servants.

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