Luxury Car Of IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar Confiscated By Pune Traffic Police; Know Why

Pune traffic police on Sunday confiscated a private luxury car used by trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who is facing scrutiny over alleged misuse of her Other Backward Class (OBC) and Person with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) certificates.

The Audi car was brought to Chaturshrangi Police Station days after the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) issued a notice to a city-based private company, which is the registered owner of the luxury car that Khedkar used during her posting. The car is currently held at the traffic division of the Chaturshrangi Police Station, with a jammer placed on it and barricades installed around it.

Photo Credit: PTI

The 34-year-old probationary IAS officer allegedly used a red beacon light on the Audi car and also had 'Maharashtra Government' written on it without permission, along with a VIP number plate on the private car, violating the Motor Vehicles Act. Additionally, the vehicle has been fined Rs 26,000 for a total of 21 traffic violations, an official said.

On Thursday, a team from the Traffic Control Branch of Pune City police went to her family residence in Baner to take action against the Audi car on which the beacon and insignia were used. Despite two attempts, the police could not manage to get the Khedkars to respond. Police and journalists who thronged the residence of Khedkar rang the doorbell repeatedly, banged on the gate and called out for the guard but there was no response whatsoever. The Audi car in question remained covered by four other cars parked in the driveway.

"Our team went to Khedkar's house in Baner but the main gate of the bungalow was found to be closed. No one responded to our team's directions to open it. Subsequently, a notice was issued to Khedkar," said an officer from the Chatushrungi traffic division.

The notice in Marathi signed by Senior Inspector S. S. Pathan and addressed to Khedkar reads, "It is being informed to you through this notice that a beacon and Maharashtra government sign have been found to be used on the privately owned Audi car. Based on this, an action has been taken against the vehicle as per Section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act."

The notice further reads, "Punitive actions have been taken against the vehicle in the past too, and the compounding amount for the same has not been paid. We have found out that you have been using this car. Through this letter, you are directed to produce the car to the Chatushrungi traffic division for further legal action."

Puja Khedkar's Controversies

Khedkar, who is part of the Maharashtra cadre, has been accused of demanding special privileges, such as a separate office, official vehicle, and staff before taking charge as an Assistant Collector in Pune. These facilities are typically not granted to probationary officers. Additionally, reports of aggressive behaviour towards colleagues and attempted interference in police matters have also added to the growing list of allegations. Subsequently, she was transferred to Washim earlier this week.

Puja Khedkar's Appointment

Questions have also been raised about the circumstances surrounding her appointment, with claims of misuse of disability and OBC quotas. She claimed non-creamy layer status to get the OBC quota benefits; however, documents showed that her family has assets worth over Rs 60 crores. She also claimed to have visual impairment but allegedly skipped the mandated physical examination on six different occasions.

The central government has formed a panel to look into the allegations against Khedkar and her UPSC recruitment. According to an official who spoke to the news agency PTI, Khedkar may be terminated from service if found guilty.