Pune RTO Issues Notice Over Illegal Red Beacon on Private Audi Linked to IAS Officer
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 12th July 2024: Controversial IAS Officer Pooja Khedkar is in the national spotlight for installing a red beacon, reserved exclusively for government officials on government-provided vehicles, on a private Audi car. This has led to intense media scrutiny. In response, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has issued a show cause notice to the company that owns the private Audi.
According to Pune Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad, the Audi with registration number MH 12 AR 7000 displayed “Maharashtra Government” on it and had a red beacon. The car was seen throughout the city, as confirmed by media reports.
The Audi belongs to Thermoverita Engg. Pvt. Ltd., a company owned by an ex-colleague of IAS Officer Pooja Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar. Citing provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, the RTO has sent a show cause notice to Thermoverita Engg. Pvt. Ltd., requesting documentation during office hours as soon as possible. Failure to comply will result in direct action by the Pune RTO.
