Pune Traffic Police Issue Notice to IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar Over Beacon Use, Also Wants To Recover Rs 26,000 Pending Fine
Reported by Tikam Shekhawat & Sumit Singh
Aundh, 11th July 2024: Pune traffic police have been thwarted in their efforts to take action against probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar for unauthorized use of a beacon light on her private Audi car.
A team led by Senior Police Inspector Shafeel Pathan, in charge of the Chatushrungi traffic division, arrived at Khedkar’s bungalow in the National Housing Society on Baner Road, Aundh. However, her mother locked the main gate from the inside, preventing the police from entering the premises to inspect the car. After trying unsuccessfully for over four hours, the police returned and issued a ‘Samajpatra’ (notice).
Inspector Pathan stated in the notice, “Under the Motor Vehicle Act, it is illegal to put a beacon or write ‘Maharashtra Government’ on any private vehicle.”
“We are here to examine the car. We will send the notice on WhatsApp as the main gate is locked from the inside”, he informed.
The officer also informed that the car (MH12AR7000) has 21 challans for traffic violations amounting to ₹26,000. “We have to recover that amount also,” he added.
Puja Khedkar is an IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre from the 2023 batch. She is currently undergoing training. However, she requested facilities such as an office cabin, peon, and a vehicle, which are not typically provided during training. Additionally, she occupied the ante-chamber of an additional district collector while he was away in Mumbai for two days.
After the Pune District Collector wrote to the state government, citing her behavior and requesting her transfer, she was reassigned to Washim district. Today, she commenced her duties in Washim.
When asked for a statement regarding the controversy, she initially stated, “The government did not ‘provide’ me.” She quickly corrected herself, saying, “I am not authorized to speak with the media on this issue. I have begun my work in Washim.”
