Controversy Surrounds Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar and Her Family Over Firearm Misuse
A significant controversy has engulfed trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar and her family following a series of incidents involving her mother, Manorama Khedkar.
The controversy began when a video surfaced showing Manorama brandishing a pistol during a heated argument with farmers over a land dispute in Mulshi taluka, Pune.
The incident, which occurred on June 5, 2023, came to light through a viral video that showed Manorama threatening farmers with a .25 bore Webley and Scott pistol.
Accompanied by private bouncers, she was seen confronting the farmers over a disputed land ownership issue. The altercation escalated when Manorama, wielding the firearm, aggressively demanded that the farmers leave the property, asserting her claim despite ongoing legal disputes.
The video captures a tense exchange where a farmer insists that the land belongs to him and that the matter is still in court.
Manorama, undeterred, responds by stating that the land is also registered in her name and that she would not back down, regardless of the court’s decision. This display of power and the presence of armed bouncers significantly heightened the tension and fear among the farmers.
In response to the incident, Pune Rural and Pune City police teams attempted to question Manorama Khedkar at her residence in Baner. Despite multiple visits at 7am and 10am on a Sunday, the police were unable to meet her as the bungalow remained unresponsive and locked. Pankaj Deshmukh, SP (Pune Rural), emphasized the need to understand the details of the firearm license and the involvement of the private bouncers present during the incident. A show cause notice was issued, questioning the validity of her firearm license and seeking an explanation for the misuse of the weapon.
The police also conducted a spot panchanama and recorded statements from witnesses in Dhadawali, the village where the incident took place.
Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar signed a notice on Saturday night to be served to Manorama, asking her to explain why her firearm license should not be revoked due to its misuse.
The situation escalated when an FIR was filed against Manorama and Dilip Khedkar, along with five other individuals, based on the farmer’s complaint.
The charges included sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), 143 (unlawful assembly), 144 (joining unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapon), 147 (rioting), and 148 (rioting, armed with a deadly weapon) of the IPC and section 3(25) of the Arms Act. The FIR detailed the threats made by Manorama, who asserted her claim over the land despite ongoing court proceedings.
Following the registration of the FIR, the accused went into hiding, with their phones switched off and their whereabouts unknown. Police teams, including officials from the local crime branch and various police stations, have been conducting extensive searches in Pune and nearby areas to locate the accused.
SP Deshmukh confirmed that multiple teams are actively searching for them at their known residences and farmhouses. Efforts to locate and apprehend the Khedkar family have intensified, with searches extending to various properties and possible hideouts.
The controversy has not only implicated Manorama and Dilip Khedkar but also brought scrutiny to Puja Khedkar. Known for her alleged misuse of power, Puja has faced criticism and was transferred from Pune to Washim.
The allegations against her include abusing the OBC quota for admission and demanding special privileges before taking charge as an Assistant Collector in Pune. Puja’s actions, coupled with the recent incident involving her mother, have cast a shadow over her career and raised questions about her conduct as a public servant.
The authorities have issued a notice to Manorama, requiring her to respond within ten days to prevent the cancellation of her firearm license.
The police have also indicated that once the accused are found, they will be questioned, and appropriate legal actions will be taken based on their responses.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a probationary IAS officer and the misuse of a licensed firearm.