IAS Trainee and Fraudulent Activities of Pooja Khedkar

Background

• Advocate Vaibhav Kulkarni's Statement: Client Pooja has claustrophobia; can't undergo MRI scan.
• Deputy Commissioner of Police Incident: Vivek Pansare pressured to release a man arrested for steel theft.
• Wealth and Income: Pooja owns 7 properties worth ₹17 crores, annual income of ₹48 lakhs, yet got OBC non-creamy layer reservation.

Issue in the System

• UPSC Dream: 10 lakh candidates appear annually to serve the nation.
• Race Fixing: Concerns about the integrity of the competition.
• Pooja Khedkar Case: An IAS trainee behaving like royalty, demanding special privileges.

Investigation and Government Actions

• Special Panel Created: To investigate Pooja's authenticity of IAS recruitment.
• Pooja's Behavior: Demanded private vehicle with red light, special seating, and aides.
• Prime Minister's Office: Sought report, panel to investigate fraudulent certificates.

Legal Actions and Medical Controversies

• Medical Examination Avoidance: Refused MRI scans multiple times citing health reasons.
• Bombay High Court Ruling: Directed AIIMS to use alternative methods for medical examination.
• Private MRI Submission: Claimed to have completed medical checkup privately.

Training Issues

• Pune Collectorate Training: Joined as Assistant Collector but showcased demanding behavior.
• RTI Activist Inquiry: Questions about her training location vs. actual posting.
• Probationary Period Misconduct: Multiple demands made prior to official joining.

Family and Political Connections

• Family Background: Father Dilip Khedkar, retired IAS officer & mother village sarpanch.
• Electoral Affidavit: Father has significant assets yet claimed OBC reservation.

RTI Activist and Government Reaction

• RTI Findings: Significant wealth in family yet received non-creamy layer reservation.
• Government Reaction: Transfer to Washim district amidst controversy.

Ongoing and Future Proceedings

• Election Affidavit Discrepancies: Investigations into wealth claims and reservation gaming.
• Post-Controversy Developments: Pooja delayed joining Washim, raised suspicion further.

Conclusion

• System Misuse: Highlights systemic corruption and influence misuse within IAS cadre.
• Call for Reforms: Need for extensive reforms in civil services and education system.