21 Challans Worth Rs 26,000: Puja Khedkar Also Has Pending Traffic Fines

New Delhi: Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer already facing controversy for alleged misuse of authority, is now under further scrutiny. According to Additional Commissioner of Police (East Region) Manoj Patil, Khedkar's private Audi car, fitted with a red and blue beacon light and the ‘Maharashtra Govt’ insignia, has 21 traffic challans, amounting to Rs 26,000 for violations such as speeding, signal jumping, and refusal to stop when directed by police, have been pending since 2022.

Additional Challan and Vehicle Details

"The traffic police have issued an additional challan with a fine of Rs 500 for the use of an amber beacon light and 'Maharashtra Govt' plate on the car," said ACP Manoj Patil. The car, registered to Thermoverita Engineering Private Limited, was registered on January 27, 2012, according to the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Enforcement Actions And Official Statements

Elaborating the issuance of challans, Senior Inspector Shafil Pathan from the Chatushrungi traffic division said, "The notice was issued in Puja Khedkar's name because she was using the car. This was confirmed by video evidence from the district collector's office and videos available on various online news portals. We have instructed her to bring the car and its registration papers to our traffic division office for verification and further legal action."

Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar added that the fresh challan, issued under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA), relate to the unauthorized use of an amber beacon light and ‘Maharashtra Govt’ plate on the car, which is prohibited by law.

Centre Forms Panel to Investigate Puja Khedkar

The Centre has constituted a single-member panel to investigate the candidature of Puja Khedkar amid allegations that she misused disability and Other Backward Class quotas to secure her position in the Indian Administrative Service. The probe will be conducted by an additional secretary-rank officer to verify the claims and other details related to Khedkar, who is a 2023 batch officer allotted to the Maharashtra cadre. The committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks.

Puja Khedkar Takes New Charge in Washim

Amid the ongoing controversy, Puja Khedkar has assumed her new role as assistant collector at the Washim District Collectorate in the Vidarbha region. Previously stationed in Pune, Khedkar allegedly misused her authority, including installing a red beacon on her private Audi car.

Khedkar, 34, has been under scrutiny for allegedly manipulating benefits under the physical disabilities category and OBC quota. Notably, she arrived at her new office in Washim on Thursday in a modest Bolero car, a shift from the extravagant Audi with a red beacon she used in Pune.

Despite the mounting allegations, Khedkar refrained from addressing the accusations, citing government regulations that prohibit her from commenting on the matter. "I am happy to join duty at the Washim District Collectorate and am looking forward to working here," Khedkar stated.

When questioned about the allegations, Khedkar told reporters, "I am not authorized to speak on the issue. Government rules don't allow me to comment on this." Meanwhile, Pune police officials visited Khedkar's residence to investigate the alleged misuse of a red beacon light and a VIP number for her Audi car, but found the gates locked.