Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar to be dismissed if found guilty, probe on

New Delhi: In a developing controversy surrounding IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, government sources on Friday that severe disciplinary action, possibly leading to termination, could be imminent. This comes after the Centre established a one-member panel to investigate allegations of Khedkar submitting fake certificates for her job and seeking undue privileges at her workplace.

Puja Khedkar, a 2023 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Maharashtra cadre, faces the prospect of criminal charges if allegations of certificate forgery are substantiated. The probe, led by an additional secretary-rank official from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), will scrutinize these allegations.

Demanded exclusive office space, residential accommodations

The 34-year-old officer gained notoriety for purportedly demanding exclusive office space, staff, and residential accommodations — privileges not accorded to probationers. Additionally, Pune police are investigating claims that Khedkar illegally used a red beacon and Maharashtra government insignia on her private Audi vehicle.

Khedkar transferred from Pune to Washim 

Earlier this week, Khedkar was transferred from Pune to Washim, relocating from her post as assistant collector in Pune. She achieved an all-India rank of 841 in the Union Public Service Commission exam in 2023 and is presently serving a 24-month probationary period.