Probe Launched Against Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Over Alleged Power Misuse

New Delhi: Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar is under investigation by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) following allegations of misuse of power and misrepresentation during the UPSC selection process.

Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, sparked controversy after reports emerged of her demanding special privileges, including a separate house, car and unauthorized use of a siren on her private Audi. These actions are not permitted for probationary IAS officers.

The investigation, headed by Manoj Dwivedi, Additional Secretary in the DoPT, will determine if Khedkar is guilty of the accusations. Potential consequences include dismissal from the IAS and criminal charges for misrepresenting facts during her UPSC application.

Khedkar has remained silent on the matter, citing lack of authorization to speak. Prior to the investigation, she was transferred from her post as Assistant Collector in Pune to Washim after the Pune Collector raised concerns about her conduct.

Further controversy surrounds Khedkar’s claim of Other Backward Classes (OBC) status and alleged disabilities used to gain concessions during the UPSC selection process. She reportedly refused to undergo mandatory medical tests to verify these claims.

Adding to the firestorm, a video surfaced online showing Khedkar’s mother threatening a group of men with a firearm.