Khedkar's IAS training put on hold by Maharashtra government: Report
What's the story
The Maharashtra government has put the training of probationary officer Pooja Khedkar on hold amid allegations of abuse of power, news agency ANI reported. The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie has called Khedkar back by July 23 for "further necessary action," according to a letter from Maharashtra's additional chief secretary, Nitin Gadre. Additionally, Khedkar has been relieved from her District Training Programme with LBSNAA.
Allegations
Khedkar's alleged misrepresentation and refusal for tests
Khedkar, a 2023-batch officer from Ahmednagar, made headlines last week following allegations of misrepresenting her mental and visual conditions to secure an officer's post with a lower score. She is also accused of refusing six times to undergo mandatory medical tests during the IAS selection process. The first test, scheduled at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences in April 2022, was skipped by Khedkar who claimed she had tested positive for COVID-19.
Twitter Post
Read: The letter issued by Maharashtra government
Maharashtra: Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar relieved from District Training Program of State Government of Maharashtra.
— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2024
The letter from Nitin Gadre, Additional Chief Secretary (P) reads, "...LBSNAA, Mussoorie has decided to keep your District Training Program on hold and… pic.twitter.com/IHXw8ZOhmw
Misuse
Khedkar's appointment, alleged abuse of power
Despite her refusals to undergo medical tests, it remains unclear how Khedkar was appointed as Assistant Collector for Pune district. Once in this position, she allegedly abused her power by obtaining unauthorized perks such as a siren for her private vehicle and a "Government of Maharashtra" sticker for her car—privileges not typically permitted for on-probation officers. Her actions are currently being investigated by a one-member panel.
Legal troubles
Khedkar's mother, father on the run after FIR
If found guilty, Khedkar will be dismissed from her post. Meanwhile, her family is also embroiled in controversy. Separately, her mother, Manorama Khedkar, a village sarpanch, is facing an Arms Act case, and her father, Dilip Khedkar, a retired state government officer, is a co-accused. Both parents are currently "on the run." Several teams are on a lookout for the two accused, police said on Monday.