The UPSC has on Friday filed an FIR against controversial IAS probationer Puja Khedkar and debarred her from future examinations as well as selections.
The actions against Puja Khedkar were taken after detailed and thorough investigation against her revealed that she “fraudulently” availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under UPSC examination rules by “faking her identity.”
What UPSC investigation revealed about Puja Khedkar?
The Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) on Friday said Puja Khedkar changed her name, father’s and mother’s name, her photograph/ signature, her email ID, mobile number and address to fake identity to appear for the examination.
UPSC initiates actions against Puja Khedkar
The Commission informed that based on the revelations following the detailed investigation, it has initiated a series of actions against Puja Khedkar, including Criminal Prosecution by filing a First Information Report (FIR) and issuing Show Cause Notice for cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination 2022.
She has also been debarred from future examinations/selections, the UPSC said.
Puja Khedkar & her controversies
In June 2024, 32-year-old Puja Khedkar had joined Pune Collectorate as part of her probationary training. However, she has come under intense media scrutiny following allegations of demanding a separate office and official car, along with the unauthorised use of the state government insignia and a beacon on her private Audi car.
Puja Khedkar has also been facing allegations of misusing the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Persons With Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) quotas. She, however, claims that she is a victim of “fake news.”
Amid controversy, Puja Khedkar was transferred to Washim by the Pune district collector, but her troubles did not end there.
The controversies looming large, government had put her ‘district training program’ on hold and summoned her back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie for “necessary action.”
On July 18, the general administrative department (GAD) of the Maharashtra government headed by additional chief secretary Nitin Gadre had submitted its report on the many allegations against Puja Khedkar to the department of personnel and training (DoPT) of the Union government.
The report was also sent to the Centre’s one-member committee headed by additional secretary Manoj Diwedi probing the case.
With inputs from agencies
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FIR against Puja Khedkar, UPSC debars IAS officer from future exams
