Bulldozer action at IAS trainee Pooja Khedkar’s Pune residence: VIDEO

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken action against alleged “illegal encroachment” at the Pune residence of IAS trainee Pooja Khedkar. A video released by newswire ANI on Wednesday, July 17, shows a portion of the area outside her family's bungalow being razed partially.

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The action was taken days after the Pune Municipal Corporation officials issued a notice for illegal encroachment of the footpath at IAS probationary officer Puja Khedkar's residence on Saturday.

According to ANI, the notice pasted at the gate of Khedkar's residence was addressed to her mother, Manorama Khedkar. The PMC's Encroachment Department reported earlier that Khedkar's residence had unauthorised construction or obstructions on public roads or footpaths within the corporation's jurisdiction.

The notice stated that a 60x3 encroachment is causing inconvenience to the public on the footpath attached to the bungalow. It reportedly instructed the removal of the encroachment within seven days, failing which the PMC will take the necessary action.

The Khedkar family had beautified their property by extending into the footpath area with trees and plants. Despite the notice, no response was received from the family, leading to the bulldozer operation, News 18 reported.

Why is Puja Khedkar in news?

IAS probationer Puja Khedkar has been embroiled in controversy amidst multiple allegations against her. Consequently, she was transferred from Pune to Washim following claims that she had spoken out of turn on certain matters without proper authorization.

It was alleged that Khedkar misused her power as a civil servant. She illegally used her private Audi car with a red-blue beacon light and VIP number plate. She reportedly demanded facilities that are not available to probationary IAS officers.

Moreover, as many as 21 challans with total charges of ₹27,000 were issued in the past against the Audi car, which was registered at the Pune RTO on June 27, 2012, for alleged traffic violations. The fine has been paid, officials said.

Khedkar allegedly submitted fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to clear the civil services exam. Reports claimed that she had also submitted a mental illness certificate.

An official said that on July 14, Pune police confiscated a luxury car used by Pooja Khedkar after allegedly installing a red beacon light on it illegally.

(With inputs from agencies)