21 pending challans of Rs 27,000 against Audi used by IAS probationer Pooja Khedkar, notice issued for use of beacon: Police

On Thursday, a team from the Traffic Control Branch of Pune City police went to her family residence in Baner to take action against the Audi car on which the beacon and insignia were used. Despite two attempts, the police could not manage to get the Khedkars to respond. Police and journalists who thronged the residence of Pooja Khedkar rang the doorbell repeatedly, banged on the gate and called out for the guard but there was no response whatsoever. The Audi car in question remained covered amid four other cars parked in the driveway.

“Our team went to Khedkar’s house in Baner but the main gate of the bungalow was found to be closed. No one responded to our team’s directions to open it. Subsequently, a notice was issued to Khedkar,” said an officer from the Chatushrungi traffic division.

The notice in Marathi signed by Senior Inspector S S Pathan and addressed to Khedkar reads, “It is being informed to you through this notice that a beacon and Maharashtra government sign have been found to be used on the privately owned Audi car. Based on this an action has been taken against the vehicle as per Section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act.”

The notice further reads, “Punitive actions have been found to be taken against the vehicle in the past too and the compounding amount for the same has not been paid. We have found out that you have been using this car. Through this letter you have been directed to produce the car to the Chatushrungi traffic division for further legal action.”

A senior officer said, “The Audi car she was using is registered in the name of an engineering company registered at an address on Dehu Alandi Road. The case has 21 unpaid challans with pending compounding amount totalling Rs 26,900. The challan issued for unauthorised use of beacon is the 22nd pending challan.”

Primary information suggests that the Khedkars have been living in a two-storey bungalow in Baner for 15 years now. The grilled gate had been locked from inside. Bothered by the chaos, the immediate neighbours remained unavailable while other bungalows seemed to be shut.