Dilip Khedkar, a retired Maharashtra government officer and father of trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, has faced numerous allegations of corruption. Suspended twice on charges of extortion, he is currently on the run with his wife, Manorama Khedkar. The Pune Anti-Corruption Bureau is probing his assets, which are reportedly disproportionate to his income.
In 2018 and 2020, Dilip Khedkar faced suspension. Documents reveal that in 2015, over 300 small businessmen accused him of causing “unnecessary trouble” and extortion. In 2018, while serving as the Regional Officer in Kolhapur, the local sawmill and timber merchants association filed a complaint, alleging he demanded bribes ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 to restore power and water supplies.
Further allegations surfaced in 2019, with a complaint accusing Khedkar of demanding ₹20 lakh from a company. His 2020 suspension was based on multiple rules and regulations, citing several complaints and an inquiry into his conduct. The Khedkars’ assets, including land, cars, and companies, are under scrutiny, raising questions about their financial integrity.
Manorama Khedkar’s Arrest
Manorama Khedkar, Puja’s mother, was arrested by Pune Police for possessing an illegal firearm. This arrest follows a viral video showing her threatening farmers with a gun over a land dispute in Mulshi village, Pune district. The video sparked public outrage, showing her demanding land documents and brandishing a pistol before concealing it upon noticing a camera.
Manorama was hiding in a lodge near Raigad Fort when police apprehended her. This incident adds to the family’s mounting troubles, affecting Puja Khedkar’s standing and further complicating the family’s legal battles.
Puja Khedkar’s Controversial Selection
Puja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer, has faced scrutiny over her UPSC candidature. Questions arose after she sought OBC and disability reservations. RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar highlighted discrepancies in her father’s financial declarations, questioning her OBC reservation claim. Dilip Khedkar’s affidavits showed assets worth ₹40 crore, contradicting the required income threshold for OBC reservation.
The Centre has ordered an investigation into Puja’s selection, halting her training. Allegations against her include misrepresentation as an OBC candidate, unverified disability claims, and misuse of power. Reports suggest she used a red beacon, VIP number plates, and a government sticker on her private Audi sedan, further tarnishing her reputation.
Exclusive documents accessed by NDTV reveal that Puja owns five plots of land and two apartments across Maharashtra, valued at ₹22 crore. These revelations raise further questions about the family’s financial dealings and Puja’s eligibility for the IAS position.
The Prelude to the Scandal
The Khedkar family’s troubles began with a complaint from Pune district collector Suhas Diwase to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik about trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s demands for perks she was not entitled to. It soon came to light that Puja was selected as an IAS officer after claiming reservations as a person with a disability and an OBC candidate. However, she failed to appear for a medical check-up to verify her disability claim, instead submitting a report from a private facility.
Puja Khedkar had sought reservation benefits as an OBC candidate from the non-creamy layer, which requires an annual family income lower than ₹8 lakh. However, her father’s affidavits, filed before contesting a Lok Sabha election, revealed a conservative estimated wealth of ₹40 crore and an annual income of ₹49 lakh. This discrepancy has intensified scrutiny on her IAS selection process.
Manorama Khedkar’s Role
Adding to the controversy, Manorama Khedkar’s arrest for possessing an illegal firearm has further damaged the family’s reputation. The viral video of her waving a gun at farmers over a land dispute has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about the family’s conduct.
Manorama’s arrest stems from this incident, which took place in Mulshi village, Pune district. In the video, she is seen in a heated exchange with a farmer, demanding to see land documents allegedly in her name. As tensions escalated, she brandished the firearm threateningly before quickly concealing it upon noticing a camera recording the encounter.
The Khedkar family’s legal and ethical troubles have cast a shadow over their public roles. Dilip Khedkar’s history of corruption, Manorama Khedkar’s arrest for illegal firearm possession, and Puja Khedkar’s controversial IAS selection have brought intense scrutiny. As investigations continue, the family’s actions and financial dealings remain under the public eye, highlighting issues of integrity and accountability in public service. The unfolding drama surrounding the Khedkar family serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in public life.
(With inputs from agencies)
