There seems to be no end to Puja Khedkar’s troubles. Days after the Delhi Police called for the cancellation of her anticipatory bail and the UPSC revoked her provisional candidature, the Central Government on Friday also took a stern action against Puja Khedkar, discharging her from the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) with immediate effect.
She was charged with fraudulently exceeding the permissible number of attempts for the Civil Services Examination by falsifying her identity and wrongfully availing OBC and disability quota benefits.
“Vide Order dated 6th September, 2024, the Central Government discharges Ms Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, IAS Probationer (MH:2023), from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, with immediate effect,” an official said.
After allegations of her violating the rules for the civil services examination emerged, the Union Public Service Commission on July 31 cancelled Puja’s candidature for the CSE-2022. She had allegedly changed her name and parents’ names to appear for the examination more times than what is allowed.
Significantly, in the aftermath of the ongoing controversy, Khedkar had recently informed the Delhi High Court that she is willing to undergo a medical examination at AIIMS after the Delhi Police raised concerns over the authenticity of one of her disability certificates, claiming it may be “forged” and “fabricated.”
Khedkar’s senior counsel in his remark to the court during a hearing on her anticipatory bail plea informed that she iss willing to undergo the test once again. On behalf of her, he stated, “I am willing to get myself medically examined. First, they accused me of changing my name, and now they question my disability. I am ready to go to AIIMS for the examination.”
Meanwhile, it is pertinent to note that Justice Subramonium Prasad, who presided over the hearing, has scheduled the matter for further consideration on September 26. And Khedkar’s interim protection from arrest, granted by the high court, will remain in effect until then.
