All You Need to Know About the Whistleblower in the IAS Pooja Khedkar Case
All You Need to Know About the Whistleblower in the IAS Pooja Khedkar Case
In a recent turn of events, the appointment of Pooja Khedkar, daughter of a retired IAS officer, has sparked nationwide debate and scrutiny. The controversy began when Vaibhav Kokat, through a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted irregularities in her appointment process, questioning both central and state administrative practices.
Vaibhav Kokat who exposed the notoriety in the Pooja Khedkar case, hails from Beed district in Maharashtra. He has worked in PR firms previously and writes on various social and political issues. His X handle has over 29000 followers.
Pooja Khedkar’s appointment came under fire after it was revealed that she obtained certificates of disability to secure an IAS rank. This revelation prompted discussions on the integrity of the UPSC and the functioning of state administrations.
Vaibhav Kokat’s tweet gained significant traction, raising concerns about the implications of such appointments on the bureaucratic system.He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in governance, urging authorities to uphold ethical standards.
Further intensifying the issue, Pooja Khedkar was reported to have used unauthorized blue / amber lights on her car, leading to a police investigation. He revealed that it was the first time Vaibhav’s friend had shared with him a report on trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar, sent by Pune district collector Dr. Suhas Diwase to the state government. This report initiated the investigation into Pooja Khedkar. Additionally, the unauthorized amber/blue light on her private vehicle became a significant breakthrough in the case.
Despite the legal scrutiny, the matter resonated more through social and mainstream media channels, fueling public outcry. As the controversy unfolded, national media attention pressured both central and state governments to address the matter seriously.
The incident has prompted discussions on administrative integrity and the need for stringent oversight in bureaucratic appointments. The case of Pooja Khedkar highlights broader issues within India’s civil services, showing the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to regulations in public service appointments.
