Puja Khedkar, Manorama Khedkar, Dilip Khedkar: Puja’s Father Under Assets Probe, Facing Fresh Trouble

Dilip Khedkar, a retired Maharashtra government officer, is facing a complaint of owning assets disproportionate to his income. The complainant, Tanaji Gambhir, provided detailed information in his 47-page complaint to the ACB, including the details of land, cars, and companies owned by Dilip Khedkar.

The retired officer was questioned by the ACB on July 11, 12, and 13. After the questioning, Dilip Khedkar and his wife, Manorama Khedkar, a sarpanch, became unreachable.

They have also been named accused in a case involving a video in which Manorama Khedkar is seen threatening some people with a pistol, and the police are currently looking for them. The investigation against 34-year-old Puja Khedkar, whose selection as an IAS officer has raised questions, has put the family’s assets under scrutiny.

Tanaji Gambhir, a lawyer, had filed the complaint against Dilip Khedkar months ago and approached the authorities again after the Puja Khedkar controversy emerged. Atul Tambe, a senior officer in Pune ACB, stated that a detailed report of their investigation and complaint against Dilip Khedkar has been sent to headquarters for further action.

The scrutiny of the Khedar family’s affairs began after Pune district collector Suhas Diwase flagged the trainee IAS officer’s demand for perks she was not entitled to. It was revealed that Puja Khedkar had claimed reservation as both a person with a disability and an OBC candidate, without fulfilling the necessary verification requirements.

RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar has pointed out that Dilip Khedkar’s affidavits filed before contesting in a Lok Sabha election show that he has assets worth Rs 40 crore. As a result of these revelations, an investigation into Puja Khedkar’s selection into IAS has been ordered, and her training has been put on hold.

In addition, Pune Police is investigating a video showing her mother brandishing a licensed gun, and the ACB is now probing her father’s assets.