Controversial IAS officer allegedly submitted fake certificates
Mumbai (PTI): Pooja Khedkar, a 2022 batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, allegedly submitted fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to clear the civil services exam, an official said on Wednesday.
The claim came a day after the probationary IAS officer, who used her private Audi car with a red-blue beacon light and VIP number plate, was transferred from Pune to Washim following complaints of misuse of power.
Khedkar appeared for the civil services exam under the OBC and visually impaired categories, the official said, adding she also submitted a mental illness certificate.
In April 2022, she was asked to report at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi for verification of her disability certificate but she did not do so, citing Covid infection, the official said.
The official said that her father Dilip Khedkar, a former state government officer, while contesting the recent Lok Sabha election, had declared his property valued at Rs 40 crore.
However, Pooja Khedkar appeared for the civil services exam under the OBC category, where the creamy layer certificate limitation is an annual parental income of Rs 8 lakh, the official said.
After joining as a probationary officer in Pune, Khedkar allegedly made several demands, including a VIP number plate for an Audi car, and placed a red beacon on the vehicle.
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Expelled BJP MLA Yatnal gives outline for his proposed political outfit
Koppal (Karnataka), (PTI): BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who has been expelled from the party, gave an outline about his proposed political outfit here on Monday.
He also claimed that the BJP is not working for the Hindus anymore as it believes in "adjustment politics".
Yatnal, a leader from dominant Lingayat community, has been sacked for six years from his party for defiantly criticising former BJP chief minister and a Lingayat icon BS Yediyurappa and his son and state BJP chief BY Vijayendra. He repeatedly called their dominance in the party as "dynasty politics".
In what is seen as an attempt to give his party an identiy that transcends caste colours, he told reporters here, "We will not be limited to (projecting) Kittur Rani Channamma or Rayanna Brigade but we will work for (whole) Hindu community. We will take along everyone right from those who believe in Kittur queen Channamma, her army commander Sangolli Rayanna, Maharshi Valmiki and BR Ambedkar."
ALSO READ: Expelled BJP MLA Yatnal indicates possibility of launching 'Hindu party' in Karnataka
Speaking on his next move, Yatnal said, he will collect public opinion till Vijayadashami and then decide his next course of action.
"I will reach out to masses through social media to gather opinion. Today the BJP is not in favour of Hindus," the MLA said.
He accused the BJP leadership in Karnataka has an 'adjustment' with the Congress because "there are a lot of scams of former Chief Minister Yediyurappa and his son Vijayendra", who is the BJP state president.
Yatnal alleged that Yediyurappa and his family is protected due to the 'adjustment' politics.
"Had the State government fought the case seriously then Yediyurappa would have gone to jail. He has looted thousands of crores of rupees. He might have paid money but I will travel across Karnataka and gather public opinion for the future of Karnataka," the MLA said.
Yatnal on Monday met Congress Dharwad leader Anil Kumar giving rise to speculations.
The meeting assumes significance as the MLA sacked by his party had indicated on Sunday that he would launch a new political outfit if the party continues with B Y Vijayendra as the BJP state chief.
However, giving rest to speculations Yatnal said he has no plans to join the Congress.
"Neither in this birth, nor in the next one I will join Congress. Congress is a Muslim party, not a Hindu party," the expelled MLA said.
He alleged that Vijayendra and his team spread rumours about him.
Reacting to the possibility of Yatnal joining Congress, Karnataka Minister MB Patil, who is in charge of Vijayapura district, said it was highly unlikely.
"Even if he (Yatnal) applies for a membership in our party, it's difficult to induct him for his disparaging utterances against a community of particular faith," Patil told reporters.
