Damoh/Bhopal: A ₹30,000 bribery case at the SDM office in Tendukheda, Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh, has put Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pooja Soni in the national spotlight. The controversy has drawn widespread attention because Pooja Soni recently cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 with All India Rank (AIR) 249 and is expected to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) after completing her training.
The case began after the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Jabalpur, arrested her stenographer, Saurabh Yadav, while allegedly accepting a bribe from a builder. During the trap operation, the accused was reportedly heard saying that ₹5,000 was for him and the remaining ₹25,000 was meant for “SDM Madam.” While no formal charges have yet been filed against Pooja Soni, the investigation has triggered intense debate over whether the allegations could affect her future IAS appointment.
What Happened in the Tendukheda SDM Office Bribery Case?
On May 14, the EOW team conducted a trap operation at the Tendukheda SDM office in Narsinghpur district and caught stenographer Saurabh Yadav red-handed while allegedly accepting ₹30,000.
The bribe was reportedly demanded in exchange for issuing an inspection report related to the layout approval of a residential colony project.
The complainant, Tendukheda-based builder Sanjay Rai, alleged that his application for an inspection report had been delayed unnecessarily. When he contacted the stenographer, he was allegedly asked to pay ₹30,000 to get the report released.
After repeated harassment, Rai lodged a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing.
Audio Recording and Alleged Reference to “SDM Madam”
According to reports, investigators have obtained an audio recording in which the complainant asked SDM Pooja Soni, “Madam, how may I serve you?”
Pooja Soni reportedly did not directly respond but allegedly said, when asked about the clerk, “Whatever you feel appropriate—whatever your shraddha dictates—you may do.”
During the trap operation, Saurabh Yadav was allegedly heard stating: “Out of the ₹30,000, ₹5,000 is mine and ₹25,000 is for SDM Madam.”
This statement has become a key focus of the investigation, although the EOW has not yet made any official findings regarding Pooja Soni’s involvement.
FIR Registered Against Stenographer; SDM Also Under Investigation
At present, an FIR has been registered against stenographer Saurabh Yadav under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Investigators are also examining the possible roles of:
- SDM Pooja Soni
- Office peon Sunil Kumar
EOW officials have indicated that voice recordings and other evidence are being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Pooja Soni Denies All Allegations
Speaking after the EOW action, Pooja Soni strongly denied any wrongdoing.
She stated that the NOC related to the colony layout had already been issued on May 12, two days before the trap operation.
“The file was initiated on April 27, and the work was completed by May 12. If the work was already done, what was the need for any bribe?” she said.
She also claimed that if anyone could prove she had taken even a single rupee, she would resign from her post immediately.
“If it is proven that I spent even one rupee, I will quit my job.”
Pooja Soni added that her clerk admitted before EOW officials that there had been no discussion with her regarding the alleged bribe.
Who Is Pooja Soni?
Pooja Soni is a highly accomplished civil servant from Devendranagar in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district. She is widely admired for clearing three of India’s toughest competitive examinations—MPPSC, UP PCS, and UPSC.
Born into a modest family, her father Mahesh Soni is a farmer, and her mother manages a small utensils shop.
Educational Background
- Completed schooling at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Panna
- Scored 89% in Class 10
- Scored 87% in Class 12
- Graduated in Engineering from Jabalpur Engineering College in 2018 with 91%
The “Success Hat-Trick”: MPPSC, UP PCS and UPSC
MPPSC 2019
Pooja Soni secured Rank 3 in the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission examination.
UP PCS 2020
She achieved Rank 12 in the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission exam and began her administrative career as a Deputy Collector/SDM trainee.
UPSC Civil Services
- Cleared UPSC 2021 with AIR 401, qualifying for the Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Cleared UPSC 2025 with AIR 249, paving the way for her entry into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Current Posting as SDM, Tendukheda
Before her UPSC 2025 success, Pooja Soni was serving as SDM of Tendukheda in Narsinghpur district. During her tenure, she was known for taking action on illegal colonies, water supply issues, and local administrative matters.
Until the current controversy, she had remained free from major public disputes.
Interestingly, the final results for her 2019 MPPSC exam were legally frozen for years due to reservation lawsuits. Consequently, she pivoted to clear the Uttar Pradesh PCS exam and joined the UP administration as a Deputy Collector in 2022. When the MPPSC results were finally released in late 2023, revealing she had secured Rank 3, she legally resigned from her UP position to return to her home state and assume her current role as SDM in Madhya Pradesh.
Will the Bribery Case Affect Her IAS Appointment?
According to retired IAS officer Veena Ghanekar, the EOW investigation must first be completed.
If evidence establishes her involvement, the agency may seek government approval to file a chargesheet, after which a departmental inquiry could be initiated.
However, at present, there is no immediate legal bar preventing her from joining the IAS.
What the Prevention of Corruption Act Says
Under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, a public servant commits an offense if they demand, accept, or agree to accept any undue advantage in exchange for performing or influencing an official act.
The punishment upon conviction ranges from:
- 3 to 7 years imprisonment
- Monetary fine
Courts generally focus on three essential elements:
- Intent
- Demand
- Acceptance
Among these, proving the demand and intent is considered crucial.
Preparation Strategy and Message to Aspirants
Pooja Soni has often said that coaching is not mandatory to crack civil services examinations. She attributes her success to:
- 6–7 hours of consistent self-study
- Effective time management
- Strong self-confidence
- Determination and discipline
She is also a vocal advocate of women’s empowerment and self-reliance.
National Attention on a Promising Bureaucrat
Pooja Soni’s story has long inspired thousands of UPSC aspirants due to her remarkable journey from a farmer’s family in Panna district to securing AIR 249 in UPSC 2025.
Now, just as she stands on the threshold of becoming an IAS officer, the bribery allegations involving her office have cast uncertainty over what was otherwise one of the most inspiring civil service success stories of the year.
As the EOW investigation continues, the outcome could have significant implications not only for her administrative career but also for her imminent induction into the IAS.
