Probationary IAS officer Pooja Khedkar’s training in Maharashtra was put on hold on Tuesday amid multiple allegations of misuse of power and privileges. The officer was recalled to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie.
“It is informed that Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie has decided to keep your District Training Program on hold and immediately recall you for further necessary action,” the Academy said in its letter to her.
“Therefore, you are hereby relieved from District Training Programme of State Government of Maharashtra. The letter from the Academy is attached herewith. You are instructed to join the Academy at the earliest but not later than 23rd July, 2024 under any circumstances," it said.
Khedkar, a 2023-batch officer, is accused of misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities category to qualify the exam and later abusing her position. She also allegedly submitted a fake Other Backward Class (OBC) certificate.
Khedkar was transferred from Pune to Washim earlier this month following allegations that the officer had made repeated requests for a private cabin, car, living quarters, and a peon even before joining duty on June 3.
The Centre has formed a one-member panel to examine the controversy while Pune Police said they have already launched an investigation into the unauthorised use of a red-blue beacon light and 'Maharashtra Government' sticker on the private Audi car of Khedkar.
Police said they will also conduct an inquiry into the authenticity of medical certificates submitted by Khedkar.
"We have received a letter from the Office of the Commissioner For Persons With Disabilities. They have asked us to check the authenticity of certificates submitted by Puja Khedkar. We will verify the facts about these certificates, from where they were obtained, which doctor or hospitals certified them will also be scanned,” a senior police officer told PTI on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt for Khedkar’s parents in a separate criminal case. An FIR has been filed against the couple and five others after a video emerged on social media showing them threatening a few men with a gun over a land dispute.