Reverse Uno: IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar lodges harassment complaint against Pune District Collector 

In a startling turn of events, Puja Khedkar, a young IAS probationer, has filed a harassment complaint with the police against her former boss, the Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase. Puja Khedkar, a 2023 batch IAS officer, has been stirring controversy amidst allegations of misusing her power and authority, with her parents on the run after the police booked a complaint against them. 

The root of the controversy lies in the allegations leveled against Khedkar by her former boss, Collector Diwase. In a letter to the Chief Secretary, Diwase had flagged Khedkar’s demands for special privileges, including a designated cabin and vehicle, which were not typically granted to probationary officers. Diwase’s report also mentioned that Khedkar had sought her own chamber, but turned it down due to the lack of an attached bathroom. 

More troublingly, the allegations of misuse of power led to the uncovering of details about Khedkar allegedly forging disability certificates to clear the civil services exam. This revelation has cast a shadow of doubt over her entire selection process, with the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie putting her IAS training on hold pending further investigation.  

Khedkar’s harassment complaint: Turning the tables 

Undeterred by the mounting accusations against her and her parents, Puja Khedkar has now taken a bold stand, filing a harassment complaint against Collector Diwase. According to sources, on Monday evening, Khedkar approached the authorities in Washim, where she was transferred, and insisted on registering her statement. 

The police, led by a woman Deputy Superintendent of Police, dutifully recorded Khedkar’s statement, in which she alleged harassment by Colletor Diwase. Copies of the statement have been sent to all relevant authorities, setting the stage for a potentially explosive legal battle. 

Collector Diwase’s response and the Government’s stance 

When contacted about Khedkar’s allegations, Collector Diwase claimed that he was unaware of the matter, as he had been busy in Baramati and was just returning to Pune. He stated that he had not received any copy of the complaint and, therefore, could not comment on the issue. 

The government’s response, through Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, has been more measured. Saunik stated that the “due process of preliminary inquiry will be followed” in addressing Khedkar’s charges against Diwase. This suggests that the authorities are taking the matter seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation. 

Divisional Commissioner seeks explanation from Khedkar 

Adding to the complexity of the situation, sources reveal that Pune Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar has also sought an explanation from Puja Khedkar regarding the allegations she has leveled against Collector Diwase. This indicates that the government is not only examining Diwase’s conduct but also scrutinizing Khedkar’s own actions and claims. 

The case has taken on a convoluted nature, with conflicting narratives emerging. Some officials have suggested that Khedkar’s harassment complaint could be an “afterthought” and a diversionary tactic, questioning why she did not raise the issue earlier and why the details of her interaction with Collector Diwase are not clearly stated in her statement. 

Moreover, the presence of a CCTV network in the Pune Collectorate, except for the ante-chamber where Khedkar allegedly encroached, has raised eyebrows and fuelled further speculation about the veracity of the claims on both sides. 

Puja Khedkar’s rebuttal and the involvement of female Police Officers 

When questioned about the police visit to the guest house in Washim where she is currently staying, Puja Khedkar provided a cryptic response. She stated that it was she who had called the female police officers for her “own work” and that the reason would be revealed soon. 

This enigmatic statement has only added to the intrigue surrounding the case, leaving observers curious about the nature of Khedkar’s interactions with the police and the potential implications for her harassment complaint against Collector Diwase. 

Ajay More’s perspective: No knowledge of complaint 

The case has also drawn the attention of Ajay More, the Additional Collector whose ante-chamber Khedkar was accused of allegedly taking over during her posting in Pune. However, More claims to have no knowledge of any complaint made by the trainee officer, further muddying the waters of this complex saga. 

As the investigation into Puja Khedkar’s case progresses, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for both the individual and the system as a whole. The government’s handling of the matter, the findings of the preliminary inquiry, and the eventual resolution will be closely watched by the public and the civil service community alike.