Khedkar is accused of submitting fake certificates. Published: July 12, 2024 5:03 PM IST By Edited by Things are getting more difficult for the controversial probationary 2023-batch IAS officer Puja Khedkar as the central government on Friday suggested starting an investigation against her. Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, has been in the spotlight for alleged misuse of power and false claims during her UPSC candidature.
She has been accused of using a red beacon light on her private Audi and demanding privileges such as a separate house and car, which are not typically provided to junior officers. Additionally, there are questions about her eligibility for the OBC category and claims of disability, which have further fueled the controversy. Khedkar is accused of submitting fake disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to clear the civil services exam.
She refused to undergo mandatory medical tests to confirm the medical conditions as cited by her. Additional Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Manoj Dwivedi, has initiated an investigation, which is expected to be completed in two weeks. She may be dismissed if found guilty and could also face criminal action if the allegations of hiding facts and misrepresentation are proven true.
On Thursday, the Centre constituted a single-member committee to verify the candidature of the 2023-batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre. In a statement, the Centre announced that an additional secretary-rank officer would conduct the probe to verify the claims regarding Khedkar’s candidature and other details. Khedkar has declined to speak to the media about the accusations, stating that she is “not authorised” to discuss the matter.
Khedkar was posted as an assistant collector in Pune and was transferred to Washim after the Pune Collector raised a complaint with the Chief Secretary of the state government. IAS probationer Puja Khedkar has been accused of misusing her position by using a siren and a “Government of Maharashtra” sticker on her private luxury sedan. She also reportedly occupied the office of Pune Additional Collector Ajay More while he was away, removed office furniture, and demanded letterheads and a VIP number plate.
These privileges are not typically granted to junior officers on probation for 24 months. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on .
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