IAS Officer Transferred Amid Allegations of Misusing Power and Making VIP Demands

The Maharashtra government has taken action against probationary IAS officer Dr Pooja Khedkar, transferring her from Pune to Washim following complaints of alleged misuse of power. She will now serve as the super numerary assistant collector in Washim district.

This decision came after the Pune Collector, Dr Suhas Diwase, raised concerns and reported the unauthorized demands made by Khedkar to the Chief Secretary. Dr Khedkar, a part of the 2023 batch of IAS officers, had been seeking special privileges not entitled to a trainee officer, including the use of a private vehicle with beacon lights and VIP number plates.

Moreover, Khedkar had been making extraordinary requests such as an official car with a VIP number plate, accommodation arrangements, and an office with designated staff and security, all of which do not align with the standard procedures for a trainee officer. These actions stirred controversy within the administration.

It was also noted that Khedkar’s father, Diliprao Khedkar, a retired officer from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, was allegedly utilizing his influence to pressurize senior officials, including the Collector and Additional Collector, to meet his daughter’s demands. The misuse of red-blue beacon lights on Khedkar’s private Audi car, along with the placement of a ‘Maharashtra government’ board, further caught attention.

Not stopping at these demands, Khedkar reportedly occupied the ante-chamber of the Additional Collector, Ajay More, without proper authorization, prompting additional scrutiny. Dr Pooja Khedkar is a controversial figure with a background that involves a stint of alleged misrepresentation regarding her physical and mental health conditions during her appointment process. She managed to secure a position in the IAS after legal battles surrounding her disabilities declaration under the Rights of Disabilities Act.