PUNE/NAGPUR: A 2023 batch probationary IAS officer, Pooja Khedkar, was transferred from Pune district collector‘s office to Washim on Monday, after videos of her private car – an Audi A4 – embellished with red and blue beacon light and “Maharashtra Govt” insignia, went viral on social media. Sources said she was transferred based on Pune collector’s report that said Khedkar “sought special privileges, which were not allowed to an IAS probationary officer.”
Sources told TOI that Pune collector Suhas Diwase’s report to Maharashtra chief secretary Sujata Saunik on June 24 regarding Khedkar also mentioned that she seized the ante chamber of an additional collector, further compounding her misconduct.
Pune collector’s report reveals misconduct including seizing an additional collector’s chamber
Diwase’s report said the use of beacon light and displaying “Maharashtra Govt” insignia on her private car were actions deemed inappropriate for her position, sources added.
While her transfer order cited administrative reasons, the chief secretary told TOI on Wednesday that the govt had acted on the collector’s letter and transferred her to Washim.
Washim district collector Bhuvaneswari S confirmed that Khedkar has been posted at Washim collectorate.
Khedkar’s dad had contested Lok Sabha polls on VBA ticket
Washim district collector Bhuvaneswari S said, “Pooja Khedkar is yet to join and in case of delay, the matter would be reported to the general administration department (GAD).”
Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar on Wednesday said action would be initiated against her for use of red and blue beacon light and “Maharashtra Govt” insignia on her private car. He said he had seen photos of the private vehicle on social media and that his department would initiate action under the Motor Vehicles Act. Khedkar was posted at the Pune district collector’s office from March 21, 2023, for a term which was to end in July 2025. She was issued an order on Mar 18, 2023, to join the Pune office as a probationary assistant collector.
Pune RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar had raised questions about Khedkar’s appointment. Her father, Dilip Khedkar, in his Lok Sabha polls affidavit showed a conservative estimated wealth of Rs 40 crore and an annual income of Rs 49 lakh,” Kumbhar added.
