'Fraud IAS': UPSC files FIR against Puja Khedkar, issues show-cause notice

NEW DELHI: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday initiated criminal action against IAS officer Puja Khedkar for fraudulently availing attempts beyond the permissible limit by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father’s and mother’s name, her photo/signature, email ID, mobile number and address.

The UPSC has filed an FIR and also issued her show-cause notice for cancellation of her candidature for Civil Services Examination 2022 and debarment for future exams and selections.
Puja Khedkar, 34, has come under intense media scrutiny following allegations of demanding a separate office and official car, along with the unauthorised use of a beacon on her private Audi car.
Initially stationed in Pune, Khedkar was transferred to Washim by the Pune district collector amidst the controversy. However, her troubles did not end there. The government subsequently put her 'district training program' on hold, summoning her back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie for "necessary action."
Khedkar, who is under investigation for the authenticity of her disability and OBC certificates, claims she is a victim of misinformation and "fake news."
Pune Police have stated they will verify the legitimacy of the disability certificates she submitted to the UPSC.
A letter from Maharashtra additional chief secretary Nitin Gadre revealed that the LBSNAA decided to halt her district training program and recall her immediately.
"You are hereby relieved from the district training program of the state government of Maharashtra. You are instructed to join the academy at the earliest but not later than 23rd July 2024 under any circumstance," the letter addressed to Khedkar said.
When contacted, Washim collector Bhuvaneshwari S confirmed that Khedkar was immediately relieved from her duties as 'supernumerary' assistant collector.