The recent revelations regarding Dilip Khedkar, father of Puja Khedkar, the controversial probationary IAS officer, shed light on his tumultuous tenure with the Maharashtra government. According to documents accessed by India Today TV, Dilip Khedkar faced suspension twice due to serious allegations of bribery and corruption during his service.
**Suspensions and Allegations:**
1. **First Suspension (2018):** Dilip Khedkar was initially suspended in 2018 under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules and the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules. The suspension was a result of departmental inquiries into multiple allegations of bribery and misconduct.
2. **Second Suspension (February 2020):** He faced another suspension in February 2020, again under the same rules, along with the Maharashtra Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules. This suspension also stemmed from allegations of bribery and misconduct.
**Specific Complaints:**
During his tenure in various capacities, specific complaints were lodged against Dilip Khedkar:
- **Trouble to Entrepreneurs:** As Regional Officer at the Mumbai Regional Office, Khedkar was accused by 300-400 small entrepreneurs of causing undue trouble and extorting money illegally from businesses in the Mumbai region.
- **Demand for Bribes in Kolhapur:** While serving at the Kolhapur Regional Office, Khedkar allegedly demanded bribes from businesses. For instance, the Kolhapur Saw Mill and Timber Merchant accused him of demanding money to restore electricity and water supply, and to withdraw closure notices.
- **Other Bribery Allegations:** There were additional complaints against him from entities such as Sona Alloys Pvt. Ltd. and Suprabha Polymer and Packaging in Pune. These complaints detailed demands for bribes ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 20 lakh.
- **Unauthorized Absence:** In May 2018, after being transferred to a new post at the Maitri Cell in Mumbai, Dilip Khedkar did not join and was absent without permission for nearly seven months.
**Property and Wealth:**
Dilip Khedkar's wealth has also come under scrutiny. He owns multiple properties across Mumbai, Pune, Pune Rural, and Ahmednagar, with declared assets totaling approximately Rs 40 crores as per his 2024 Lok Sabha election affidavit.
**Impact on Puja Khedkar:**
Puja Khedkar, his daughter, is currently embroiled in her own controversy. She has been accused of using fraudulent means, including forging disability certificates, to secure her position in the civil services. As a result, her IAS training has been put on hold, and she has been recalled from Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, pending further investigation and disciplinary action.
These revelations underscore the deep-seated issues within the Khedkar family and raise serious questions about integrity and ethical conduct within the civil services and public administration in Maharashtra.
