Pune police on Thursday initiated action against Pooja Khedkar, a 2022 batch probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who hit the headlines due to allegations of “exceeding her authority”. As per sources, an inquiry will be conducted on the use of a beacon on the Audi car used by Pooja and action will be taken under the Motor Vehicle Rules Act. There is a fine of Rs 21,000 for non-observance of traffic rules on the car used by Khedkar.
What is the Controversy Surrounding Trainee IAS Officer Pooja Khedkar?
The controversy is centred around accusations that she improperly utilised a personal Audi car equipped with VIP registration and emergency lights — a vehicle marked ‘Maharashtra Government’.
Guidelines typically restrict probationary civil servants from availing of certain perks and privileges.
Police on Thursday arrived at Pooja’s residence to seek details of the Audi car regarding its ownership and purchase. They are also trying to determine how did she secure permission for the beacon.
ALSO READ: In Spot Over ‘Misuse Of Power’, Pune Trainee IAS Officer Demands Separate Office, House, Car Before Joining
Pooja also allegedly submitted fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to clear the civil services exam. She was recently transferred from Pune to Washim following complaints of misuse of power.
IAS trainee #PujaKhedkar, who made VIP demands, transferred from #Pune to #Washim following complaints of misuse of power, questions being raised over her entry into administrative servicesNews18’s @kotakyesha with latest updates @poonam_burde | #UPSC #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/QomwTlkNX4
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 11, 2024
Political War of Words On Pooja Khedkar
Leader Of the Opposition in the Maharashtra State Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar demanded an inquiry into the selection process and said, “The selection has been done wrongly. Fake medical certificates should be probed. We demand an inquiry into this.”
#BreakingNews: Maharashtra LoP Vijay Wadettiwar Demands Investigation Into Use Of Fake Certificates In Connection To Pune IAS Probationary Officer Pooja Khedkar Misuse Of Power AllegationsNews18’s @kotakyesha shares more on this | @kritsween #Corruption #PoojaKhedkar #IAS pic.twitter.com/gvuhwPa6a1
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 11, 2024
BJP MLA from Maharashtra, Nitesh Rane assured that the government will take the required action in the matter. “Everyone is equal before the law if any wrong-doing is identified in the process, our government will take the action necessary on it,” he said.
Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, Milind Deora called allegations against the probationary IAS officer an “occupational hazard”. He also urged the state government to “conduct a comprehensive & impartial investigation into these allegations without delay”.
“The allegations against IAS officer Pooja Khedkar are a serious reputational hazard to the service. Are you in government to serve or due to a sense of entitlement? I urge Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary to conduct a comprehensive & impartial investigation into these allegations without delay. Ensuring justice & preserving public trust in our administrative service is crucial. UPSC is known for producing high-caliber officers for #PublicService. Those lacking merit and ethics are not fit to hold important public offices,” Deora wrote in an X post.
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