Call for Open ACB Inquiry Against Retired Official Dilip Khedkar

The Pune unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has received a complaint seeking an open inquiry against Dilip Khedkar, a retired government official and father of controversial IAS probationer Puja Khedkar. This complaint pertains to alleged disproportionate assets, according to a senior official.

Amol Tambe, Superintendent of Police, Pune ACB, stated on Wednesday, "We have recorded the complainant's statement and forwarded the complaint to ACB headquarters along with the evidence." He added that they are awaiting directions from the headquarters on whether to incorporate this new complaint into the ongoing inquiry or to conduct a separate open inquiry.

Ongoing Investigations

The Nashik division of the ACB is already conducting an inquiry into Dilip Khedkar's assets. This investigation is focused on determining if his assets are disproportionate to his known sources of income. The Ahmednagar unit is handling this ongoing inquiry under the Nashik ACB's supervision.

Meanwhile, Puja Khedkar's parents, Manorama and Dilip Khedkar, have been untraceable since police registered an FIR against them. This FIR was filed over a video allegedly showing Manorama threatening individuals with a gun during a land dispute in Mulshi tehsil of Pune district.

Legal Actions and Video Evidence

The Paud police in Pune rural have booked the Khedkar couple and five others under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including section 323 for dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property. The two-minute-long video shows Manorama Khedkar wielding a pistol, accompanied by her security guards, in a heated argument with some people at Dhadwali village.

Puja Khedkar is also under scrutiny for her claims regarding disability and OBC certificates used to clear the IAS exams. Additionally, her conduct during her tenure at the Pune collector's office is being examined.

Government Response

In light of these controversies, the government has put on hold Puja Khedkar's district training program. She was earlier transferred to Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector from Pune but has now been summoned back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration for necessary action.

The Pune ACB unit has sought directions from its headquarters due to the existing inquiry by the Nashik division. They need guidance on whether to merge this new complaint with the ongoing investigation or initiate a separate one.

This situation continues to develop as authorities await further instructions from higher-ups. The outcome will determine how these allegations against Dilip Khedkar will be handled moving forward.