IAS Puja Khedkar Row: FIR Filed Against Controversial Trainee Officer; UPSC Issues Show Cause Notice

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) issued a statement on Friday saying it has taken a series of actions against controversial trainee IAS Puja Khedkar.

An FIR has been filed against Puja, and the UPSC has also issued a show cause notice for the cancellation of her candidature from the Civil Services Exam - 2022 and to debar her from future exams.

Earlier today, Washim police visited trainee IAS Puja Khedkar's residence for questioning. The investigation is being handled by the Pune Crime Branch.

Khedkar was supposed to present herself before the Pune Police and provide her statement yesterday. However, she remains at the official guest house in Washim even today.

Puja faked identity to fraudulently avail attempts beyond the permissible limit: UPSC

The UPSC stated that it has conducted a detailed and thorough investigation into Puja Khedkar's misconduct. It was found that she fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the Examination Rules by altering her identity, including changing her name, her father's and mother's names, her photograph/signature, her email ID, mobile number, and address.

The Commission further stated that it strictly adheres to its constitutional mandate and conducts all its processes, including examinations, with the highest level of due diligence. It is unequivocally committed to maintaining the trust and credibility of its procedures, ensuring they remain intact and uncompromised.

PCMC seals family property

Adding to the difficulties for Puja and her family, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has sealed a property owned by Manorama Khedkar due to unpaid property taxes amounting to ₹2.77 lakh. This property also houses Thermoverita Engineering Pvt Ltd, the company that owns the Audi car with red and blue beacons used by Puja Khedkar during her tenure in Pune.

Khedkar is currently under scrutiny for discrepancies in her disability and OBC certificates submitted for the IAS exam, as well as for her conduct during her assignment at the Pune collector's office.