UPSC issues Press Release: Puja Khedkar Fired; Investigations Ongoing

UPSC has issued a press release on July 19, 2024 on the official website at upsc.gov.in. In the said notice, it is mentioned that the trainee IAS officer Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar has been found to have availed extra number of attempts by fraud. It has been reported that she faked her identity by changing her name, parents’ name, her photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address. She appeared for the exam under PwD category by lying about her visual and mental disabilities.

Download official UPSC Press Release on Puja Khedkar here

UPSC notice mentions that a series of actions has been initiated against her including an FIR, an SCN, cancellation of candidature from the 2022 exam, and debarment from future exams. Ms. Khedkar was being investigated for lying about her visual and mental disabilities. A collection of documents were collected from multiple sources which raised suspicions against her claims. She was sent to Pune as an Assistant Collector where she allegedly misused her power.

Ms. Puja Khedkar appear for the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2022 where she got the All-India rank of 841. Her mother Manorama Khedkar, too, has been charged with attempt to murder after a video surfaced on the internet where she was seen waving a gun in a man’s face. On the other hand, her father is being investigated by Pune Anti-Corruption Bureau for corruption charges. His assets have reportedly been found not to be in proportion with his income. He is a retired state government officer who was suspended twice for the same charges and is currently on a run.

UPSC Press Note FAQs

Ques. Who is Puja Khedkar?

Ans. Puja Khedkar cleared UPSC Civil Services Exam 2022 with an all-India rank of 841. She was a trainee IAS officer who has been found to fake her identity and lie about visual and mental disabilities to clear the exam under PwD category. Several actions are being taken against her and her family.

Ques. Is UPSC candidate Puja Khedkar fired?

Ans. Yes, UPSC candidates Puja Khedkar has been fired and debarred from any future exams conducted by UPSC. Along with this, several other charges have been filed against her and her parents including attempt to murder and corruption charges.