Encroached on office of Additional Collector, used beacon on private car; govt takes action against IAS trainee

PUNE: The Maharashtra government has taken action against a probationary IAS officer following complaints of alleged misuse of power. The IAS trainee named Pooja Khedkar has been transferred from Pune to Washim. She will now serve as supernumerary assistant collector of Washim. The action was taken based on the letter sent by Pune Collector Dr Suhas Diwase to the Chief Secretary.

Pooja joined the service by securing 841st rank in the 2023 batch. She was transferred for allegedly misusing power and seeking special privileges from the Collector's office that were not allowed to a probation officer.

The officer had recently courted controversy by using a beacon light and installing a 'Maharashtra government' board on her private Audi car. She also made other unfair demands such as an official vehicle with a VIP number plate, accommodation, and an official chamber with staff and a constable. As per law, a trainee cannot be provided with such amenities.

Moreover, it was found that Pooja had encroached on the antechamber of Additional Collector Ajay More without his knowledge. She then removed all the furniture including chairs, sofas and tables without the permission of the Additional Collector. The IAS trainee also directed the revenue assistant to provide her with a letterhead, visiting card, paper weight, nameplate, royal seal and intercom.

Meanwhile, reports are claiming that Pooja's father, a retired IAS officer, had pressurized the Collector's office and threatened the staff to fulfil the demands of his daughter.