UPSC Takes Action Against IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar for Identity Fraud

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 19th July. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has initiated multiple actions against IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, including filing a police case for identity fraud related to the civil services examination.

Khedkar, who is part of the 2023 batch of Indian Administrative Service officers, is accused of faking her identity to avail extra attempts in the Civil Services Examination-2022.

The UPSC’s investigation revealed that Khedkar fraudulently used altered personal details—including name, parent’s names, photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address—to exceed the permissible number of attempts allowed under examination rules. In response, the Commission has issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) seeking cancellation of her examination candidature and debarment from future examinations.

Additionally, a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed with police authorities as part of the criminal prosecution process. The UPSC also put Khedkar’s district training program on hold, moving her back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie for further action.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Pune has launched an inquiry into allegations of disproportionate assets involving Khedkar’s father, Dilip Khedkar, a retired government official. The ACB’s Pune unit is deciding whether to merge this new complaint with an existing probe or pursue a separate investigation.

Furthermore, Pune Police have decided to act against the Audi car used by Puja Khedkar, who was previously transferred to Washim as an assistant collector. Khedkar faces allegations of misusing her authority. In a related development, Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, was remanded to police custody until July 20 following her arrest for allegedly threatening an individual with a firearm over a land dispute last year.

The case continues to develop, with ongoing investigations into the various allegations against the Khedkar family.