Puja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer embroiled in a controversy surrounding her civil service selection, failed to report to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie on July 23, despite being instructed to do so. Khedkar’s absence has further fueled scrutiny amid ongoing investigations and allegations against her.
Khedkar, 34, is facing serious allegations related to her civil service application. She is accused of “misrepresenting and falsifying facts” in her UPSC application, including claims of multiple attempts and eligibility for relaxed criteria. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued a show cause notice to potentially annul her selection and may bar her from future examinations. The Delhi Police have registered a case against her, which is being investigated by the Crime Branch.
On July 16, LBSNAA put Khedkar’s training on hold due to these allegations and instructed her to report back by July 23. However, she did not attend the academy, citing personal reasons. The academy’s decision came in the wake of various complaints and controversies that have surrounded her selection and conduct.
The controversy surrounding Khedkar’s selection began after Pune collector Dr. Suhas Diwase flagged several issues regarding her demands for perks and privileges that were deemed inappropriate during her training. Reports also revealed that Khedkar used the Maharashtra government tag and a red-blue beacon in her private Audi, which led to her transfer from Pune to Washim.
Further investigations revealed inconsistencies in Khedkar’s eligibility for relaxed selection criteria as an OBC candidate from the non-creamy layer. Allegations include bypassing mandatory medical check-ups and obtaining exemptions through questionable means. Additionally, her father, Dilip Khedkar, a former Maharashtra government officer, faces a corruption case and has been suspended twice for extortion-related charges. Her mother, Manorama Khedkar, a sarpanch, is also in legal trouble following a video showing her brandishing a gun and making threats, leading to her arrest under the Arms Act.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the allegations against Khedkar and the broader implications for the civil service selection process. The outcome of this case may have significant repercussions for the integrity of civil service examinations and recruitment procedures in India.
Sources By Agencies
