UPSC files FIR against IAS-PO Puja Khedkar, may cancel her candidature

by IANS |

Mumbai, July 19 (IANS) In a major development, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) said on Friday that it has initiated criminal proceedings against Maharashtra cadre (2023) IAS Probationary Officer Puja Khedkar for a series of irregularities perpetrated by her.


The UPSC said in a statement that it has also served Khedkar with a show-cause notice for “cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination (CSE)-2022/debarment from future examinations/selections”, in accordance with the rules of the CSE-2022.


The statutory body said that it conducted a detailed investigation into the misdemeanour by Khedkar, whom it described as “a provisionally recommended candidate” for the CSE-2022


“The investigation has revealed that she fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limits under the examination rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her parents' names, her photograph/signature, her email ID, mobile number and address,” the UPSC said.


Accordingly, the UPSC has initiated a series of actions against her, including criminal proceedings by filing an FIR with the police, besides serving her a show-cause notice.


The UPSC said that in fulfilling its constitutional obligations, it stringently adheres to its constitutional mandate, and conducts all its processes, including all examinations, with the highest possible order of due diligence without any compromise.


The UPSC reiterated that it has ensured the sanctity and integrity of all its examination processes with utmost fairness and strict observance of rules.


“The UPSC has deservedly earned the trust and credibility of a very high order from the public, especially the candidates. The UPSC is unequivocally committed to ensuring that such a high order of trust and credibility remains intact and uncompromised,” the statement said.


Following a series of exposes against her, Khedkar, currently appointed as Assistant Collector, Washim, was last week removed from her field assignment and ordered to report back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, ‘for further action’.

Latest News
RBL Bank’s Q1 net profit falls 46 pc YoY to Rs 200 crore Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 03:18 PM
Four charred to death in car crash, one dies in separate accident in Chhattisgarh Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 03:13 PM
Tripura to set up district-level Task Forces to detect, deport infiltrators: Officials Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 03:06 PM
'Was it the right one?': Chappell questions Jadeja's approach at Lord's Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 02:59 PM
Mohammed Shami included in Bengal's probables list for upcoming domestic season Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 02:52 PM
TTD suspends four non-Hindu employees for violation of religious code of conduct Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 02:02 PM
Timely CPR at Mumbai airport saves 57-year-old man who suffered cardiac arrest Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 01:59 PM
As BJP cries foul, Karnataka HM says no political motive behind police action against MLA Byrathi in murder case Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 01:58 PM
Stung by student deaths, IIT-Kharagpur plans holistic strategy for campus well-being Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 01:48 PM
Make in India booster: New Galaxy Z foldables see record 2.1 lakh pre-orders in country Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 01:28 PM
Three killed in separate road accidents in MP Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 01:25 PM
CM Nitish inspects rising Ganga water levels in Patna, directs officials to remain alert Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 01:23 PM
Sharda University student dies by suicide, alleges mental harassment by faculty; two arrested Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 01:22 PM
Justice Vibhu Bakhru takes oath as Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 01:08 PM
Language row in Maharashtra: PIL in SC seeks FIR against Raj Thackeray Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 12:59 PM