• Source:JND
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The central government discharged Puja Khedkar from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect following accusations of cheating and misusing quotas to secure her selection. Puja Khedkar, a probationary officer in Maharashtra, allegedly availed benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas by falsifying her identity, leading to her dismissal under Rule 12 of the IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954. 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) initiated action against Puja Khedkar in July after uncovering discrepancies in her candidature for the Civil Services Examination. The UPSC permanently debarred her from all future exams and selections on July 31, 2024, after cancelling her candidature. 

According to the UPSC, Puja Khedkar was found guilty of violating Civil Services Examination-2022 rules by falsifying key personal information, including her name, her parents' names, photographs, signature, email ID and contact details. She allegedly manipulated this data to fraudulently extend her attempts beyond the permissible limits.

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The Delhi Police registered an FIR against Khedkar under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Information Technology Act and the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act. 

Under IAS rules, probationers can be removed if deemed ineligible for recruitment or unsuitable for service. Puja Khedkar's dismissal followed months of scrutiny over her eligibility and qualifications. Her troubles initially surfaced after allegations of demanding a separate office, unauthorised use of a beacon on her private car and requests for official vehicles came to light. 

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Puja Khedkar was subsequently transferred from Pune to Washim during her district training program. Her district training was later suspended and she was recalled to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) for further investigation into her OBC and disability certificates.  Puja Khedkar, currently on interim bail, claims she is a victim of misinformation and fake news.