Ex-IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Under Scrutiny for Cheating and Forgery

Former IAS probationary officer Puja Khedkar is under investigation by the Delhi Police for cheating and forgery. Khedkar allegedly used OBC and PwD quota benefits illicitly to secure her civil services candidacy. Denied anticipatory bail, she faces serious allegations and the UPSC has canceled her candidature and barred her from future exams.

The Delhi Police has requested information from the Maharashtra government, the IAS training academy in Mussoorie, and AIIMS Delhi regarding former IAS probationary officer Puja Khedkar, who is implicated in a cheating and forgery case, sources said on Friday.

Khedkar was booked by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on July 19 for allegedly availing OBC and PwD quota benefits fraudulently to secure her position in the civil services exam.

On Thursday, a Delhi court denied Khedkar's anticipatory bail, confirming that serious allegations require thorough investigation.

Khedkar, who has yet to be arrested, approached the court through her lawyer, citing an immediate threat of arrest.

This week, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annulled Khedkar's candidature and debarred her from future exams.

A source within the Delhi Police disclosed that Khedkar remains in India and will soon be issued a notice to join the probe.

The UPSC has filed a case accusing Khedkar of fraud and exceeding the permissible number of exam attempts under a false identity.

Investigating officers have reached out to the Maharashtra revenue department, the IAS training academy in Mussoorie, and AIIMS, Delhi for Khedkar's application details. Some responses have been received from the UPSC, but further reports are awaited.

Another source mentioned that relevant document compilation is underway. Once completed, Khedkar will be notified to join the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)