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UPSC Takes Strong Action Against Puja Khedkar for Identity Fraud and Exam Misconduct

Introduction In a significant move to uphold the integrity of its examination processes, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken stern actions against Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar. This decision comes after a detailed investigation revealed that Khedkar fraudulently availed additional attempts in the Civil Services Examination-2022 by falsifying her identity and personal information. The UPSC's stringent measures underscore its commitment to fairness and transparency in its selection process. The Fraud Uncovered Investigation Details The UPSC's thorough investigation into Ms. Khedkar's actions exposed multiple layers of deceit. She manipulated various elements of her identity, including her name, her parents' names, her photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address. These fraudulent modifications allowed her to surpass the permissible attempt limits set by the Examination Rules. Actions Taken In response to these findings, the UPSC has initiated several punitive measures. These include: Criminal Prosecution: A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed with the police, initiating criminal proceedings against Ms. Khedkar. Show Cause Notice (SCN): The UPSC has issued an SCN to Ms. Khedkar, questioning why her candidature should not be canceled and why she should not be barred from future examinations and selections as per the Civil Services Examination-2022 rules. UPSC's Commitment to Integrity Upholding Constitutional Obligations The UPSC is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of due diligence and integrity in all its processes. This commitment is evident in its rigorous examination procedures, which are designed to ensure fairness and transparency. The Commission's actions against Ms. Khedkar are a testament to its unwavering adherence to its Constitutional mandate. Public Trust and Credibility The UPSC has earned significant trust and credibility from the public, especially from candidates who participate in its examinations. By taking decisive action against misconduct, the Commission reinforces its dedication to preserving this trust. The public can rest assured that the UPSC remains committed to conducting its examinations with the utmost integrity. Detailed Case of Ms. Puja Khedkar Fraudulent Attempts and Identity Changes The investigation revealed that Ms. Khedkar had fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit by altering her identity. This manipulation included changes to her and her parents' names, her photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address. Criminal Charges and Show Cause Notice

Introduction

In a significant move to uphold the integrity of its examination processes, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken stern actions against Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar. This decision comes after a detailed investigation revealed that Khedkar fraudulently availed additional attempts in the Civil Services Examination-2022 by falsifying her identity and personal information. The UPSC’s stringent measures underscore its commitment to fairness and transparency in its selection process.

The Fraud Uncovered

Investigation Details

The UPSC’s thorough investigation into Ms. Khedkar’s actions exposed multiple layers of deceit. She manipulated various elements of her identity, including her name, her parents’ names, her photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address. These fraudulent modifications allowed her to surpass the permissible attempt limits set by the Examination Rules.

Actions Taken

In response to these findings, the UPSC has initiated several punitive measures. These include:

  1. Criminal Prosecution: A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed with the police, initiating criminal proceedings against Ms. Khedkar.
  2. Show Cause Notice (SCN): The UPSC has issued an SCN to Ms. Khedkar, questioning why her candidature should not be canceled and why she should not be barred from future examinations and selections as per the Civil Services Examination-2022 rules.

UPSC’s Commitment to Integrity

Upholding Constitutional Obligations

The UPSC is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of due diligence and integrity in all its processes. This commitment is evident in its rigorous examination procedures, which are designed to ensure fairness and transparency. The Commission’s actions against Ms. Khedkar are a testament to its unwavering adherence to its Constitutional mandate.

Public Trust and Credibility

The UPSC has earned significant trust and credibility from the public, especially from candidates who participate in its examinations. By taking decisive action against misconduct, the Commission reinforces its dedication to preserving this trust. The public can rest assured that the UPSC remains committed to conducting its examinations with the utmost integrity.

Detailed Case of Ms. Puja Khedkar

Fraudulent Attempts and Identity Changes

The investigation revealed that Ms. Khedkar had fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit by altering her identity. This manipulation included changes to her and her parents’ names, her photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address.

Immediate Actions Taken by UPSC

In response to these findings, the UPSC initiated several actions against Ms. Khedkar. These actions include:

  1. Filing a First Information Report (FIR): The UPSC lodged a criminal complaint with the police, bringing charges under various sections including forgery and violations of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and the IT Act.
  2. Issuing a Show Cause Notice: Ms. Khedkar was issued a show cause notice asking her to explain why her candidature should not be canceled and why she should not be barred from future examinations.

UPSC’s Commitment to Integrity

The UPSC emphasized its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness in its examination processes. The commission highlighted its stringent adherence to constitutional mandates and diligent observance of examination rules. This incident reinforces the UPSC’s dedication to maintaining public trust and credibility.

Background of the Case

Ms. Khedkar’s misconduct was not limited to identity fraud. Further investigation revealed she had falsely claimed visual and mental disabilities to benefit from certain examination provisions. Her misuse of disability certificates was part of a broader pattern of deceit aimed at securing a position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Repercussions of the Fraud

Following the investigation, the Maharashtra government submitted a comprehensive report to the Department of Personnel and Training. This report included evidence of Ms. Khedkar’s false claims regarding her physical disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) status. Additionally, allegations surfaced about her misuse of power during her initial posting as an Assistant Collector in Pune.

Details of Misconduct

Ms. Khedkar’s unethical behavior extended to her professional conduct. Reports indicated she abused her position to secure perks not available to probationary staff, such as using a siren on her private car. She was subsequently transferred to Washim, but the controversies followed her, leading to further scrutiny.

Legal Battles and Ongoing Investigations

As the investigation deepened, more allegations emerged against Ms. Khedkar and her family. Her mother, Manorama Khedkar, was charged with attempted murder after a video showing her brandishing a gun went viral. Her father, Dilip Khedkar, faced a probe by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for possessing assets disproportionate to his income. He had a history of suspensions on corruption charges during his tenure as a state government officer and remains at large.

Ms. Khedkar’s Counter-Attack

In an attempt to defend herself, Ms. Khedkar accused Pune Collector Suhas Divase of harassment. She filed a complaint late at night, summoning three female police officers to her residence. Mr. Divase denied the charges and stated he had not received a copy of the complaint. His office also released WhatsApp chats showing Ms. Khedkar seeking details about perks unavailable to probationary staff.

Media Trial and Public Perception

Ms. Khedkar also accused the media of conducting a “media trial” against her. Despite her attempts to shift the narrative, the overwhelming evidence against her has shaped public perception and highlighted the stringent measures the UPSC takes to uphold the sanctity of its examinations.

Conclusion

The UPSC’s actions against Ms. Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar underscore the commission’s unwavering commitment to integrity and fairness. This case serves as a stark reminder that any attempt to compromise the examination process will be met with rigorous investigation and severe consequences. The UPSC continues to uphold the trust and credibility it has earned over the years, ensuring that the Civil Services Examination remains a beacon of meritocracy and transparency.

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