PMO seeks report on 'VIP trainee' IAS officer as more questions are raised: Report

The Prime Minister's Office has reportedly sought a report on the incidents involving Pooja Khedkar, a 2022 batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, media report claimed on Thursday. Khedkar hit headlines after a report submitted by Pune Collector Suhas Diwse to the General Administration Department revealed that even before joining duty on June 3, the probationary IAS officer repeatedly demanded that she be provided a separate cabin, car, residential quarters and a peon. 

The junior officer, allegedly abused her position by utilizing the office of Pune Additional Collector Ajay More during his absence. She reportedly removed furniture and demanded letterheads, privileges typically reserved for higher-ranking officials. 

Her father, Dilip Khedkar, who is a retired administrative officer, reportedly endorsed her demands. Furthermore, she was accused of removing the nameplate of a senior official at the Pune collector's office after he allowed her to use his ante-chamber as her office, showcasing her brazen behavior. 

Junior officers on probation typically do not enjoy such perks. After the controversy garnered national spotlight and basis More's report, Khedkar was transferred from Pune to Washim.

Fake OBC and disability certificate? 

According to media reports, Khedkar allegedly falsified documents to secure a place in the civil services exam, submitting fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates. 

She reportedly appeared for the exam under the OBC and visually impaired categories and also submitted a certificate claiming mental illness. 

However, when asked to verify her disability certificate at AIIMS, Delhi in April 2022, she failed to appear, citing Covid-19 infection as the reason, raising further questions about the legitimacy of her claims.

According to service allocation list, Khedkar had an All India Rank 821 under the OBC and persons with benchmark disabilities (PWBD) categories.

Although Khedkar claimed to be from the OBC category, which requires a creamy layer certificate with an annual income limit of Rs 8 lakh, her father declared a significantly higher annual income of Rs 43 lakh and estimated wealth of Rs 40 crore in his affidavit for the recent Lok Sabha elections, raising questions about the authenticity of her OBC status.

Meanwhile, three days after her transfer, Khedkar is yet to report for duty. Washim District Collector Buveneswari S told the Hindustan Times that despite receiving the state government's order, Khedkar had not joined her post or contacted the collector or any other administrative official.