Controversial IAS Officer Puja Khedkar's Training Put on Hold Amid Certificate Investigation

The government halted the district training program of IAS officer Puja Khedkar amid controversy over her disability and OBC certificates. Khedkar claims to be a victim of misinformation. Pune Police and a senior government doctor are investigating the legitimacy of her submitted certificates. She has also been involved in other controversies, including unauthorized demands and the use of a beacon on her private car.

The government on Tuesday paused the 'district training program' of controversial IAS officer Puja Khedkar, calling her back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration for 'necessary action'.

Khedkar, whose disability and OBC certificates are under scrutiny, claims she is a victim of misinformation and 'fake news'. Pune Police will verify the authenticity of the disability certificates she submitted to the UPSC. A letter from Maharashtra's additional chief secretary Nitin Gadre announced that the Lal Bahadur Shastri academy had suspended her district training and recalled her immediately.

'You are hereby relieved from the district training program of the state government of Maharashtra. You are instructed to join the academy at the earliest but not later than 23rd July 2024 under any circumstance,' the letter read.

(With inputs from agencies.)