A single-member panel led by Manoj Dwivedi, appointed by the Centre, has submitted a report to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) investigating allegations against IAS officer Puja Khedkar. The investigation revealed that Khedkar, a 2023-batch trainee, was accused of making demands she wasn’t entitled to during her probation, misrepresenting facts in her civil service application, and availing relaxations under false pretenses. As a result, she faces a criminal case, a show cause notice from the UPSC, and potential barring from future exams. Additionally, her parents are embroiled in separate legal troubles.
5 Key Points:
- Investigation and Report Submission: A report on the allegations against IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been submitted to the DoPT by Manoj Dwivedi, additional secretary in the DoPT.
- Probation Demands and Complaint: Khedkar made headlines after Pune collector Suhas Diwase flagged her for demands she wasn’t entitled to during her probation, triggering further scrutiny.
- Misrepresentation Allegations: Khedkar allegedly misrepresented and falsified facts in her civil service application, availing of relaxations for physical disability and OBC candidacy under dubious claims.
- Legal Consequences: She faces a criminal case for misrepresentation, a show cause notice from UPSC that could lead to her selection being canceled, and potential barring from future UPSC exams.
- Family Legal Issues: Khedkar’s father, a former Maharashtra government officer, faces a corruption case, while her mother, a sarpanch, was arrested under the Arms Act after being caught on video threatening people with a gun.
