Controversial IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar Dismissed from Service

In a dramatic turn of events, Puja Khedkar has been dismissed from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), just weeks after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) nullified her provisional selection. The central government invoked Rule 12 of the IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, to remove Khedkar from the service immediately.
Khedkar’s dismissal follows serious accusations of cheating and misuse of reservation quotas. She is alleged to have submitted fraudulent disability certificates to gain an unfair advantage in the UPSC Civil Services Examination for 2022 and 2023.
The decision to dismiss Khedkar comes after the UPSC canceled her candidacy on July 31, citing fraud and the necessity of custodial interrogation to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy. Despite these charges, Khedkar has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In a recent court appearance, Khedkar expressed her willingness to undergo a medical examination at AIIMS, addressing claims that one of her disability certificates might be forged. Her senior counsel stated, “I am willing to get myself medically examined. First they say I changed my name. Now they question my disability. I am ready to go to AIIMS.”
This submission was made while the Delhi High Court was considering Khedkar’s plea for anticipatory bail in the ongoing criminal investigation.