The controversy surrounding Maharashtra cadre trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar shows no signs of abating. After the ongoing issue regarding her alleged selection through forged documents, new information has emerged that Pooja Khedkar did not return to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand by the given deadline on Tuesday. Sources indicate that she has not returned to the academy nor provided any official correspondence.
Pune Police to Investigate Parents’ Divorce Case
Additionally, Pune Police tried to contact Pooja Khedkar but were unable to reach her. Pooja had disclosed in various mock interviews with different academies that her parents were separated, and in some interviews, she stated she was divorced. Based on this, she claimed a valid OBC certificate. However, an affidavit from her father during the Lok Sabha election did not mention a divorce.
Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma shared that the police will investigate the entire matter. The investigation began following directives from Delhi. Sharma informed India Today that the Maharashtra government requested details regarding the status of Pooja Khedkar’s parents. Further investigations are underway. The officer revealed that during the elections, Pooja’s father Dilip Khedkar declared assets worth approximately 40 crores.
UPSC Filed an FIR
Following the controversy, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) registered an FIR against Pooja Khedkar. A show-cause notice was also issued questioning why her Civil Services Examination 2022 candidature should not be canceled and why she should not be barred from future exams. Khedkar faces charges under sections of forgery, fraud, the IT Act, and the Disability Act.
Read Also: Pooja Khedkar’s Mother Sent to Jail for 14 Days for Threatening a Farmer with a Gun, Court Denies Bail
According to UPSC, a detailed investigation revealed that Pooja Khedkar violated regulations during the Civil Services Examination 2022. She had exhausted her exam attempts. Subsequently, she changed her identity fraudulently to reappear for the UPSC exams. She altered her name, father’s name, mother’s name, photo, and signature. Additionally, she changed her mobile number, email ID, and address. These fraudulent changes allowed her extra attempts at the Civil Services Examination.
