The controversy surrounding Pooja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer from the 2023 batch in Maharashtra, has intensified with fresh allegations against her and her family. Pooja is under scrutiny for allegedly abusing her authority and submitting fradulent disability and caste certificates to qualify for the civil services exam. Pune Collector Suhas Diwase accused her of various corruption cases, including unauthorized use of a vehicle equipped with a beacon light, and demanding privileges such as a separate office, official vehicle, and staff, which are not typically granted to trainee officers. Following a string of controversies, Puja was recently transferred from Pune to Washim district. The Central government has set up a committee to investigate these allegations.
How did Pooja Khedkar dodge multiple medical tests?
Pooja was asked to undergo a medical exam at AIIMS, Delhi in 2022. This was to cross check her claims of “blindness and mental illness” which Pooja had cited for benefits under the disabilities category. At the time, she asked for a postponement of the test saying she had contracted Covid-19. The medical exam was then rescheduled at least 4 times before she finally took the medical exam in August.
Pooja was then asked to have an MRI of her brain to find out why she lost vision in both eyes. However, she told the Department of Personnel and Training that she couldn’t undergo the test as she felt claustrophobic. The issue went to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which stated in its order on February 23, 2023, that it couldn’t determine the extent of her disability. This decision followed her request for disability reservations under Sections 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, for both visual and mental impairments. Concerns about her candidacy led Pooja to approach the Bombay High Court, which allowed her another chance to have a medical examination at AIIMS. However, it remains unclear whether she underwent an MRI at AIIMS and, if so, what the results revealed.
What are the allegations of misconduct against Pooja Khedkar?
Pooja, who was given the post of Assistant Collector in Pune, started her tenure on June 3, 2024. She allegedly insisted on privileges like a separate office, residential accommodation, an official vehicle, and staff, despite being informed these were not provided during probation. The Pune Collector reported her actions to the General Administration Department, citing alleged interference from her influential father to secure these benefits.
Upon arrival, Khedkar purportedly occupied the office of Pune’s Additional Collector, Ajay More, while he was absent, removing his nameplate and rearranging the furniture. Later, she was permitted to use his ante-chamber as her workspace.
During her probation, she allegedly used a private luxury car fitted with a red-blue beacon light, a VIP number plate, and a ‘Government of Maharashtra’ sticker. Pune Collector Suhas Diwase criticized her conduct, recommending against her continuation in Pune for training.
The incident underscores concerns over Khedkar’s behavior and the perceived misuse of influence, prompting administrative scrutiny into her conduct during her probationary period in Pune.
The curious case of Pooja Khedkar’s disability and caste certificates
Following the Pune Collector’s report, questions emerged regarding the validity of Khedkar’s disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates submitted for her civil services exam. Despite applying under the OBC category, which imposes an annual parental income limit of ₹8 lakh for creamy layer status, her father disclosed assets valued at ₹40 crore in his election affidavit. These assets include 110 acres of agricultural land, seven flats, 900 grams of gold, a gold watch worth ₹17 lakh, and four cars, according to RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar, reported The Hindu.
Kumbhar further alleged that Ms. Khedkar herself owns property valued at ₹17 crore, the report said.
From Pistol to Politics: Spotlight on Pooja Khedkar’s Parents
The spotlight has also shifted to Pooja’s parents, Dilip and Manorama Khedkar. In a recent video that’s gone viral, Manorama Khedkar, the Sarpanch of Bhalgaon village in Ahmednagar, is seen waving a pistol during a heated argument, presumably over a property dispute. Pune Rural Police have filed an FIR at Paud police station against Pooja’s parents. The complaint came from a farmer in the area who accused Manorama Khedkar, along with Pooja Khedkar’s parents and five others, of threatening him. According to ANI, the Senior Police Inspector of Paud Police Station stated that they have filed the FIR under sections 323, 504, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, police mentioned that charges under the Arms Act have been included in the case.
Pooja’s mother comes from a lineage deeply rooted in public service. Her maternal grandfather was also an IAS officer, which adds an intriguing take to her actions.
Allegations have surfaced suggesting she also intervened in legal matters in the past, such as reportedly pressuring Navi Mumbai’s Deputy Police Commissioner to release an arrested transporter, though this remains unverified. Furthermore, reports indicate she accumulated a staggering 21 traffic violation tickets and faced scrutiny for using a beacon light.
Pooja’s father, Dilip Khedkar, a former Maharashtra government official, was also reportedly known for his controversial tactics, including alleged threats and intimidation of government personnel. His unsuccessful bid in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Ahmednagar under the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi brought scrutiny, particularly with his declared wealth of Rs 40 crore in Election Commission affidavits, a report by Deccan Herald stated. Meanwhile, Pooja’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, reported assets valued at approximately Rs 18 crore, adding a layer of intrigue to the family’s political and financial dynamics, the report said.