NEW DELHI, July 19, 2024 (TBINN)
A criminal case has been registered against controversial probationary I.A.S. Officer Puja Khedkar today for “misrepresenting and falsifying facts” following a “thorough investigation” by the Union Public Service Commission (U.P.S.C.) into allegations of misconduct.
Puja Khedkar allegedly manipulated her identity to appear for the Civil Services Examination multiple times, exceeding the permissible attempts, according to a statement issued by the Commission.
The U.P.S.C. has also issued a show cause notice regarding the cancellation of her candidature for the 2022 examination and is considering barring her from future exams, according to the statement.
After this, U.P.S.C. filed a complaint with the Delhi Police.
A complaint had been received from the U.P.S.C, prompting the registration of a case under relevant sections of the law. The investigation is now being conducted by the Crime Branch, police said.
“UPSC has filed a complaint with Delhi Police against Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar for misrepresenting and falsifying facts to obtain extra attempts in the UPSC examinations, beyond the prescribed limit. Consequently, a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the law, and investigation has been taken up in Crime Branch,” Delhi Police said in a statement.
While specific details of the case have not been disclosed, officials indicated that it involves charges of forgery, cheating and misuse of the disability quota in securing her Civil Services candidacy.
The case has been registered under the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act and Disability laws.
The U.P.S.C. statement alleged that Puja Khedkar, who was provisionally recommended for the Civil Services Examination in 2022, altered her name, her parents’ names, her photograph, signature, contact details and address in order to appear for the exam beyond the allowed limit.
As news of the case broke, Puja Khedkar, reportedly, left her post in Washim, Maharashtra, where she had been serving during her probation.
Speaking to reporters outside a government rest house in Washim, Puja Khedkar said, “The judiciary will take its course”, adding “I will return soon,” before departing in a private vehicle towards Nagpur.
The case has raised significant attention and scrutiny regarding the integrity of Civil Services’ examination process, prompting calls for greater oversight and accountability within the system. Moreover, it has yo be ascertained that this case is not a result of any corrupt practice going on in the process.
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