Pune: Pooja Khedkar, a 2023 batch IAS officer, has been transferred from her training post in Pune following allegations of misconduct. Khedkar, who was appointed as a probationary Assistant District Magistrate, allegedly made various demands from senior officers since her appointment.
She reportedly occupied a senior officer's antechamber and used a private vehicle with a red beacon, actions that prompted Pune District Collector Suhas Divase to file a formal complaint.
Khedkar's tenure in Pune began on June 3. However, even before officially taking charge, she sent multiple WhatsApp messages to the District Magistrate and the Resident Deputy Collector, demanding a separate meeting space, vehicle, accommodation, and an attendant.
Typically, IAS or IPS officers must complete a two-year probation period, during which they gain experience in various departments before receiving their official appointments. Khedkar, however, began making these demands during her probationary period.
Additionally, Khedkar reportedly used a red beacon on her private vehicle, which she kept on even during the day, and occupied the antechamber of a senior officer at the District Magistrate’s office. The complaint also mentioned inappropriate behavior by Khedkar's father, with some supporting WhatsApp chats attached.
Taking serious note of these issues, the authorities have transferred Khedkar to Washim district. Pooja Khedkar hails from Pathardi in Ahmednagar district and is the daughter of former IAS officer Dilip Khedkar, who served as a Pollution Control Commissioner. Her maternal grandfather, Jagannathrao Budhavant, was also an IAS officer.
