Irregularity in IAS selection process? probe initiated against Pooja Khedkar

NEW DELHI: More details are coming out regarding the deviant actions of probationary IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, who sparked a controversy by using a red-blue beacon and a 'Maharashtra Government' board on her private Audi car and encroaching on the chamber of the Additional Collector. According to reports, she is someone who regularly violates traffic rules. She does not stop her vehicle for inspection even if requested by the police. She allegedly owes a hefty fine for several different traffic violations. Additionally, reports indicate that Pooja possesses assets valued at several crores under her name.

Meanwhile, it has been alleged that she used fake OBC and disability certificates to pass the Civil Service Exam. The central government has announced a probe into this matter. Many, including retired IAS officers, have raised questions as to how she managed to skip the medical examination at AIIMS as part of her training. The retired IAS officers are pointing out that this calls into question the transparency of the selection process for Civil Service Examinations. The reports regarding Pooja's fake certificates are coming out amid the controversy surrounding the NEET exam.

The investigation report against Pooja will be submitted within two weeks. The Maharashtra Chief Secretary's office and LBSNAA director's office in Mussoorie have started an investigation against Pooja. Following the controversy, Pooja was transferred from Pune to Washim as part of departmental action.

Meanwhile, a video showing Pooja's mother threatening farmers by pointing a gun towards them has surfaced on social media. According to sources, the video was recorded last year. Pooja's family, which owns properties across Maharashtra, had recently bought 25 acres of land in Pune. Farmers had alleged that Pooja's family was trying to encroach on their land lying adjacent to this farmland. Irked by this, Pooja's mother attempted to threaten the farmers using a gun.

In the video, Pooja's mother can be heard saying that she was not afraid of anyone, including the court. Whether the court has rendered a decision in this case is unclear.