Pune: District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase reacts to sexual harassment allegations

Pune: Controversial probationary IAS officer Dr Puja Khedkar has alleged that she was targeted because she lodged a sexual harassment case against District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase.

She stated this during the hearing of her anticipatory bail application filed in the Patiala Court, New Delhi. Diwase has refuted the allegation.

He said, “It is a baseless allegation. Khedkar was associated with the District Collectorate from June 3 to 14. During this time, I met her only thrice in connection with administrative work. Other officials and lawyers were also present during these meetings.

“I neither met her when I was alone nor did I discuss anything with her. On June 14, she was posted at the Divisional Commissionerate. After her posting there, she never made any allegation. She neither levelled any allegation in the letter written to the State Government nor in the reply to my letter. She intentionally said this after her posting in Washim. People know why she did this.”

Meanwhile, the UPSC has cancelled Puja Khedkar’s IAS post and has banned her from appearing for any examination. She could soon be arrested. Therefore, she has moved the anticipatory bail application.

Earlier, she was transferred to Washim for her conduct at the Pune District Collectorate. After realising that her fake certificates, fake identity and father’s illegal assets were going against her, she levelled the sexual harassment allegation. Puja Khedkar has not appeared in public after she was told to report to the training academy. Her lawyer moved the bail plea in the court. It may be decided on Thursday (August 1).