By Tejas

Pune, September 7, 2024 : In a significant development, the Central Government has dismissed Pooja Khedkar, an IAS probationer, following the Union Public Service Commission's (UPSC) decision to cancel her provisional candidature. The dismissal comes as a culmination of investigations into allegations of fraud and falsification of documents.

An official order issued on September 6 stated, “The Central Government discharges Ms. Pooja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, IAS Probationer (MH:2023), from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, with immediate effect.” This action follows the UPSC’s earlier decision to cancel Khedkar's provisional selection due to discrepancies in her credentials.

Last week, UPSC decided to cancel the selection of Pooja Khedkar. But there was some technical problem at that time. But now the central government has taken a decision to relieve her from the service.

Meanwhile, a case has also been going on against Pooja Khedkar in the Delhi High Court in which she has been granted anticipatory bail till September 26.

What was the matter?

Pooja Khedkar, who was appointed as an Assistant Collector in Pune after clearing the UPSC exam in 2023, has been facing severe scrutiny. Initially appointed as a probationary officer, Khedkar's tenure was marred by reports of unreasonable demands and rude behaviour, leading to her transfer to Washim.

The controversy surrounding Khedkar began when it was discovered that she had submitted a fake mental illness certificate to obtain special concessions under the visually impaired category. Subsequent investigations revealed that Khedkar had been absent from six medical examinations and had made alterations to her personal details, including her name, her father's name, and her mother's name, on official documents to sit for the exam.

UPSC officials reported that Khedkar had exceeded the maximum allowed period for taking the exam by modifying her photo, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address in her application. These actions prompted the UPSC to take disciplinary measures against her.

Currently, Pooja Khedkar is out on anticipatory bail until September 26. However, the central government's dismissal is expected to complicate her legal situation further.