Sub Divisional Magistrate Pooja Soni of Tendukheda in Madhya Pradesh’s Narsinghpur district has come under public scrutiny after the Lokayukta arrested her stenographer, Saurabh Yadav, while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 inside the SDM office.
The case has drawn further attention because Pooja Soni recently cleared the UPSC examination and is expected to leave for training before becoming an IAS officer.
How the Bribery Case Surfaced
The Lokayukta team from Jabalpur carried out a raid at the Tendukheda SDM office and caught stenographer Saurabh Yadav red handed while allegedly taking Rs 30,000 as a bribe. The money was allegedly demanded in exchange for providing an inspection report.
Action is being taken against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The incident has triggered discussion in the area because the arrest took place inside the SDM office itself and the alleged demand was linked to official work.
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Complaint Related to Inspection Report
The complaint was filed by coloniser Sanjay Rai, who had applied at the SDM office for an inspection report relating to a proposed colony construction plan. The work was allegedly being delayed without reason.
When the complainant contacted stenographer Saurabh Yadav, he allegedly demanded Rs 30,000 in exchange for issuing the inspection report. The matter was then reported to the Lokayukta by the complainant, after which the trap was laid.
There is discussion that the stenographer had spoken of a “share” in the amount, allegedly saying that out of 30, five would be his and 25 would go upward. The report says this was being interpreted as a possible reference to the SDM’s chair, though no statement has yet been made by the Lokayukta on that aspect and the matter is under investigation.
Pooja Soni’s Career Comes Into Focus
The report says Pooja Soni has so far remained free from controversy during her tenure. She is a resident of Devendranagar town in Panna district and comes from an ordinary family. Her father, Mahesh Soni, is a farmer.
She cleared the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission examination in 2019. It is also stated that she has now been selected in the UPSC as well, securing an all India rank of 249 in 2025. She is expected to resign from her present post and leave for training soon, after which she will become an IAS officer. The matter, however, is now being closely watched as the bribery investigation continues.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
