Panel Submits Report on Candidature of IAS Officer Puja Khedkar

New Delhi: A single-member panel appointed by the Center to investigate the controversial case of probationary IAS officer Pooja Khedkar has done its inquiry and submitted its report to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). 

Manoj Dwivedi, Additional Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), is the sole member of the committee who conducted the inquiry on IAS Khedkar. 

The 2023-batch trainee IAS officer gained attention when Pune collector Suhas Diwase reported to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, highlighting several demands she made that were not permitted during her probation. Khedkar first came under scrutiny for misusing her official position by using her personal Audi car, equipped with a beacon, to reach her office. This incident brought her into the spotlight.

She was also alleged for misusing the disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) quota to secure a position in civil service examination and presenting forged documents. 

Pooja is facing multiple cases of misrepresenting and falsifying facts in the UPSC examination. While, Union Public Service Commision has already issued show cause notice to cancel her selection. 

Public outrage erupted over Pooja Khedkar and her family, with many questioning the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on how she managed to pass the rigorous civil services examination.

She was summoned back to LBSNAA in Mussoorie after the Maharashtra Government halted her district training. Meanwhile, Pooja remains missing. After a thorough investigation, the UPSC found Khedkar guilty, leading the Delhi police to file an FIR against her under the IT Act, along with charges of cheating and forgery. 

The Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar may face termination from service if found guilty, according to official sources. A single-member committee constituted by the Centre will re-examine all documents presented by Khedkar to secure her candidature in the civil services examination and her subsequent selection.
 

Pooja's father, Dilip Kumar, a former government official, has faced suspension twice in the past due to corruption charges, with an ongoing investigation still in progress.

Her mother, Manorama Khedkar, is also in legal trouble after a video surfaced showing her wielding a gun and threatening a group of people. Manorama and her husband were arrested under the Arms Act, but her husband has since secured bail.