Puja Khedkar’s Father Suspended Twice for Corruption Charges

India Today TV has accessed documents revealing that Dilip Khedkar, father of controversial probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, was suspended twice over allegations of bribery and corruption while employed with the Maharashtra government. Dilip Khedkar, who was serving as the Director of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), was asked to take compulsory retirement in 2023.

Background

Puja Khedkar made headlines after she was accused of forging disability certificates to clear the civil services exam. This controversy brought the Khedkar family into the spotlight, with an old video of Puja’s mother, Manorama, brandishing a gun at a farmer going viral. Additionally, the vast wealth amassed by Dilip Khedkar, a retired government officer, became a focal point.

Suspension Details

Dilip Khedkar was first suspended in 2018 and faced suspension again in February 2020 under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, and the Maharashtra Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules. These suspensions were a result of departmental inquiries into multiple allegations of bribery and misconduct.

Specific Allegations

1. Mumbai Regional Office: While serving as the Regional Officer in Mumbai, Khedkar was accused by 300-400 small entrepreneurs of causing unnecessary trouble and extorting money from them. These complaints were escalated to the Chief Minister by the state Minister for Industries, Mining, Environment, and Public Works Department in October 2015.
2. Kolhapur Regional Office (2018): Khedkar was accused of demanding money to restore power and water supply. The Kolhapur Saw Mill and Timber Merchant filed a complaint alleging that Khedkar demanded Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 for restoring electricity and water supply, respectively.
3. Kolhapur Regional Office (2019): Sona Alloys Pvt. Ltd. reported harassment by Khedkar for refusing to pay an excessive bribe of Rs 50,000.
4. Pune Complaint: Suprabha Polymer and Packaging in Pune filed a complaint alleging that Khedkar demanded Rs 20 lakh as a bribe, eventually settling for Rs 13 lakh.

Departmental Actions

Khedkar’s refusal to join a new post at the Maitri Cell, Maharashtra State Small Scale Industries Development Corporation, Mumbai, led to his absence without permission for nearly seven months. These incidents resulted in Khedkar’s removal from service.

Dilip Khedkar’s Denial

Dilip Khedkar has denied all charges of bribery and corruption, calling them baseless. He asserted that all actions taken against him were a result of biases and unverified claims. Khedkar emphasized his long tenure in government service and his commitment to ethical conduct.

Implications for Puja Khedkar

The controversy surrounding Dilip Khedkar’s suspensions and corruption allegations has added to the scrutiny of Puja Khedkar’s credentials and actions. As a probationary IAS officer, Puja is under investigation for allegedly forging disability certificates to secure her position.

Public and Government Response

The public and government officials have expressed mixed reactions to the Khedkar family’s controversies. Some demand a thorough investigation into both Puja’s and Dilip’s actions, while others call for stronger measures to prevent corruption and misconduct in government positions.

The suspension of Dilip Khedkar twice on bribery and corruption charges has significant implications for the Maharashtra government’s efforts to combat corruption. The ongoing scrutiny of Puja Khedkar’s credentials and the allegations against her father highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in public service.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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