Maharashtra's rising star, IAS trainee Pooja Khedkar, has been making headlines with her recent transfer. Appointed as the Assistant Collector of Washim district, Pooja steps into her new role amid much discussion. What's the story behind the buzz and the action taken against her?
Two days into the job, Pooja Khedkar's arrival in Washim district to commence her duties has sparked public interest. Uncertainties linger over whether Pooja, who aspired for an independent office in Pune, will be accorded her own cabin in the Washim district office. A budding officer, Pooja cleared her UPSC exams in 2021.
According to electoral affidavits, Pooja Khedkar's family possesses 110 acres of agricultural land, potentially violating land ceiling laws. Additional assets include six shops, seven apartments (one in Hiranandani), gold and diamonds weighing 900 grams, a gold watch valued at ₹17 lakhs, four cars, and stakes in two private firms as well as an automobile company. At the heart of this prosperity, IAS Pooja Khedkar herself holds a fortune of ₹17 crores.
Source: aajtak
Pooja Khedkar achieved the 841st rank in the highly competitive UPSC examination. Her mother serves as the Sarpanch of Bhalgaon in Ahmednagar district, and both her father and grandfather have illustrious careers in the administrative services, with her father having also served as an Assistant Collector in Pune.
Now having joined her duties in Washim, Pooja's earlier days in Pune saw her navigating the streets in an Audi with VIP number plates, adorned with both red and blue beacons. Known to commute in her personal Audi to the government office, her luxury car bore an official plate and a red beacon.
Source: aajtak
IAS Pooja demanded separate seating arrangements, a car, accommodation, and a constable via WhatsApp message to her collector. A known figure in the government office for driving her personal luxury Audi, Pooja made sure that it featured the board of the Maharashtra government.
Pooja joined as a probationary Assistant Collector in Pune. Her VIP requests eventually prompted Collector Suhas Diwase to take action against her, which resulted in her transfer to Washim.
During a senior's Mumbai visit, Pooja occupied the senior's chamber without his consent, removing all the furniture outside, including chairs, sofas, and tables, and planted a name board of her own.
Pooja Khedkar, who passed the UPSC exam under the visually impaired category, presented a mental illness certificate. This special consideration granted allowed her to become an IAS officer—a feat that seemed impossible based on her scores alone.
When awarded the IAS position, UPSC decided to re-evaluate Pooja's medical conditions. She refused to attend the medical examination six times, first scheduled on 22nd April 2022 at AIIMS, Delhi, which she missed citing COVID-19 infection.
