Pune: In a new controversy involving the already embattled IAS officer Puja Khedkar, her mother, Manorama Khedkar, has been accused of threatening citizens with a pistol in Mulshi taluka. The incident was captured on video and now has since gone viral.
The viral video shows Manorama Khedkar brandishing a pistol and intimidating citizens in Dhadwali village, Mulshi taluka. The Khedkar family had acquired 25 acres of land in the village, and it is alleged they attempted to seize neighboring land as well.
When local farmers resisted this land-grabbing attempt, Manorama Khedkar reportedly arrived with bouncers and threatened them with a pistol.
The farmers tried to file a complaint at the Paud police station, but initial reports suggest the complaint was not registered due to external pressure, raising questions about who might be backing the Khedkar family.
Manorama Khedkar had threatened Chatuhshrungi traffic police officers on Thursday (July 11) who had been to Khedkar residence to take action against usage of unauthorized beacon on a private Audi car.
"If you try to enter the gate, I will put all of you in jail," Manorama had said angrily. Various media representatives were also present at the scene, This led to an argument between the police and Puja’s family over the proceedings.
Amidst these developments, Puja Khedkar, following her transfer from Pune, reported to her new post in Washim on Thursday and met with District Collector Bhuvaneshwari.
She declined to comment on the allegations made by the media, simply stating, "I am not authorized to speak about the allegations." Khedkar did, however, express her satisfaction with her new posting, saying, "I am happy to join in Washim... I will work here for the next year."
Puja Khedkar had previously made numerous demands during her training period and secured her appointment under the quota for disabled individuals.
Additionally, it has been revealed that she benefited from an OBC non-creamy layer certificate. Despite her father's annual income being 49 lakhs, she allegedly took advantage of the non-creamy layer certificate, which has an income limit of 8 lakhs.