UPSC Takes Action Against Probationary IAS Puja Khedkar for Identity Fraud

UPSC Takes Action Against Probationary IAS Officer Puja Khedkar for Identity Fraud

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday initiated several actions against probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, including the registration of a police case for allegedly faking her identity to avail additional attempts in the civil services exam.

The Commission has also issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) for the cancellation of her candidature in the Civil Services Examination-2022 and her debarment from future examinations and selections.

Puja Khedkar, a 2023 batch Indian Administrative Service officer (IAS), was accused of misusing her power and privileges during her training in Pune.

“The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has conducted a detailed and thorough investigation into the misdemeanour of Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, a provisionally recommended candidate of the Civil Services Examination-2022,” the Commission stated in an official statement.

The investigation revealed that Khedkar fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under examination rules by faking her identity. She did this by changing her name, her father’s and mother’s names, her photograph/signature, her email ID, mobile number, and address.

The UPSC has therefore initiated a series of actions against her, including criminal prosecution by filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the police authorities. Additionally, they have issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) for the cancellation of her candidature in the Civil Services Examination-2022 and her debarment from future examinations and selections, in accordance with the Rules of the Civil Services Examination-2022.