Manorama Khedkar, mother of trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, was detained by Pune Police on Thursday for allegedly possessing an illegal firearm. The detention took place at a lodge near the Raigad Fort in Raigad district. Pune Police are expected to arrest Manorama Khedkar upon her arrival in Pune.
This incident stems from a viral video showing Manorama Khedkar brandishing a pistol during a confrontation with local farmers over a land dispute in Mulshi village, Pune district. The footage captures her demanding land documents and threateningly waving the firearm before concealing it upon realizing she was being recorded.
ALSO READ: Viral video shows mother of trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar threatening farmers with gun
Following the video’s circulation, Pune Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Manorama Khedkar and her husband, Dilip Khedkar, a retired administrative officer with a history of corruption charges and suspensions.
Dilip Khedkar was suspended twice during his government service. His first suspension in 2018, while serving as the Regional Officer in Kolhapur, involved allegations from the local sawmill and timber merchants association of demanding bribes between Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000. His second suspension in 2020 was due to similar corruption charges.
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The Khedkar family’s troubles extend beyond these incidents. Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who secured an all-India rank of 841 in the 2023 UPSC exam, faces allegations of falsifying her UPSC candidature and misusing her power. She is accused of misrepresenting herself as an OBC candidate and falsely claiming visual and mental disabilities. Further allegations include using a red beacon, VIP number plates, and a government sticker on her private Audi sedan.
As the investigation continues, the Khedkar family’s situation remains precarious, with the Centre ordering a probe into Puja Khedkar’s selection as an IAS officer, and her training currently on hold.
