Where is Puja Khedkar? Trainee IAS Officer 'Missing', Fails to Report To Training Academy

Pune: Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who is under scrutiny following allegations of irregularities in her civil service exam application, was scheduled to report to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie on July 23 but failed to do so.

Khedkar is facing a criminal case for allegedly "misrepresenting and falsifying facts" in her civil service application. The 34-year-old is accused of manipulating her identity to take the all-India exam multiple times.

 The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued a show cause notice that could lead to the cancellation of her selection and a ban on future attempts. The Delhi Police have filed a case against her, and an investigation is underway.

Delhi Police said, “UPSC has filed a complaint with Delhi Police against Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar for misrepresenting and falsifying facts to obtain extra attempts in the UPSC examinations, beyond the prescribed limit. Henceforth, a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the law, and investigation has been taken up in Crime Branch.”

Where is IAS Officer Puja Khedkar?

The controversial IAS officer has been reportedly ‘missing’ for the past five days. She has failed to report to the training academy and Pune Police have declared her ‘untraceable.’ An FIR against Khedkar was registered five days ago and ever since, she has been missing.

According to the Pune Police, Khedkar is currently ‘untraceable’ and her mobile phone is turned off. Authorities are actively searching for her but have not yet located her.

Meanwhile, the Centre has instructed the Pune Police to report on the marital status of Khedkar’s parents. This follows allegations that Khedkar fraudulently claimed the OBC non-creamy layer benefit in the UPSC exam by stating that her parents were separated.

Khedkar's Training Suspended

LBSNAA in Mussoorie had suspended Khedkar's training and ordered her immediate return by July 23 for further action. According to a letter from Additional Chief Secretary Nitin Gadre, Khedkar is relieved from her District Training Program with the Maharashtra State Government and must rejoin the Academy by the specified date.

Allegations Against Puja Khedkar

Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer from the 2023 batch, is facing accusations of misusing her position and privileges during her recent training at the Pune District Collectorate in Maharashtra. She is alleged to have demanded perks and facilities beyond her entitlement.

Additionally, Khedkar is accused of bullying those around her and of improperly using a red-blue beacon—typically reserved for high-ranking officials—on a private Audi luxury sedan. The car also displayed 'Maharashtra Government' markings during her tenure.

UPSC Files FIR Against Puja Khedkar

The UPSC has filed an FIR against Puja Khedkar after concluding a thorough investigation that found her guilty. The commission has also issued a show-cause notice, demanding an explanation as to why her IAS candidacy should not be revoked due to allegations of possessing fake certificates. Concurrently, the Delhi Police crime branch has registered an FIR against Khedkar under the IT Act, along with charges of cheating and forgery.