Pooja Khedkar, a probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been making headlines recently. The young IAS officer faces allegations of power abuse, disability fraud, and questions about her Other Backward Class (OBC) certificate. Now, her family has also come under the spotlight, intensifying the controversy surrounding the IAS officer.
Mother’s Gun Incident Sparks Controversy
Last week, a video surfaced showing Manorama Khedkar, Pooja’s mother, brandishing a pistol during a land dispute in Pune’s Mulshi tehsil. The clip, reportedly from June last year, shows Manorama, who serves as the sarpanch of Bhalgaon village, allegedly threatening a farmer.
In the video, Manorama claims ownership of the land, despite the farmer’s protests that the matter is still in court. She can be heard saying, “You may be the real owner, but this place is also in my name. So what if the matter is in court? I will see how you take everything. I am not afraid of anyone.” The farmer, however, maintained that he was still the rightful owner of the property.
This incident has led to an FIR against Manorama, her husband Dilip Khedkar, and five others. The charges include property concealment and violations of the Arms Act. Additionally, the police are investigating whether Manorama had a valid license to possess a firearm.
Parents of IAS Officer Evade Police
Currently, the Maharashtra Police are searching for Pooja’s parents. The couple seems to have disappeared, with the police unable to locate them despite multiple attempts. Their sudden vanishing act has raised suspicions and intensified the scrutiny on the IAS officer’s family.
The police visited the Khedkar residence in Pune’s Baner area but found it locked from the inside. Authorities have stated that the couple has turned off their mobile phones and is evading questioning. Pune Rural SP Pankaj Deshmukh told reporters that the accused couple is “on the run” and that several teams are searching for them in Pune and nearby areas where they own farmhouses and other properties.
The police are also seeking others seen in the viral video, including security guards. Furthermore, Manorama has been issued a show cause notice asking why her gun license should not be revoked. The Pune civic body has also demanded the removal of “unauthorized structures” near the family’s bungalow within a week.
IAS Officer Pooja Khedkar’s Rise to Notoriety
Pooja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, first caught attention when she allegedly demanded special privileges not typically granted to probationary officers. These requests included a separate cabin, an official car, residential quarters, and a personal assistant. Pune collector Suhas Diwase brought this to light in a letter to Maharashtra chief secretary Sujata Saunik, emphasizing that such privileges were not allowed for an IAS probationary officer.
Moreover, the IAS officer was found using a beacon on her private Audi car, which is not allowed for probationary officers. Questions have also arisen about her OBC status and disability claims, which provided her with certain benefits during her appointment.
Pooja is accused of availing OBC benefits for her appointment as a trainee IAS officer despite allegedly coming from a well-to-do family. Her claim of suffering from “blindness and mental illness,” which gave her concessions under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities category, is also under scrutiny.
Ongoing Investigation and Transfer
In light of these controversies, Pooja has been transferred from the Pune district collector’s office to Washim. The central government has formed a single-member committee to investigate the allegations against the IAS officer. This move underscores the seriousness of the accusations and the need for a thorough inquiry into the matter.
When asked about the case against her parents, Pooja declined to comment, citing service rules. This silence has only fueled further speculation about the extent of the family’s involvement in the ongoing controversies.
Conclusion
The case of IAS officer Pooja Khedkar and her family highlights issues of power misuse and privilege within the Indian administrative system. As the investigation continues, it raises important questions about accountability in public service and the proper use of affirmative action policies.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the Indian Administrative Service and its recruitment processes. It underscores the need for stricter vetting procedures and more transparent systems to ensure that those entrusted with public service roles are indeed deserving and qualified.
As the story unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the authorities handle this complex case involving an IAS officer and her family. The resolution of this matter may well set a precedent for how similar cases are dealt with in the future, potentially leading to reforms in the IAS recruitment and monitoring processes.
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