Puja Khedkar Breaks Silence On Allegations

New Delhi: Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, mired in controversy over alleged misuse of power, said today the law will take its course. In her first reaction on the matter, the 34-year-old said,  “Now the judiciary will take its course. Whatever questions there are, I will respond to them. I am coming back and and will give you the byte.”

The Union Public Service Commission has started the process that may lead to cancellation of the selection of the trainee officer, who is being investigated for lying about visual and mental disabilities. She has also allegedly faked her identity and changed the names of her parents to clear the Civil Services entrance exam.

The UPSC has sent a show-cause notice asking Ms Khedkar why her candidature should not be cancelled. Its action will depend on her reply.

The Delhi Police has filed a case that includes charges of forgery, under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and IT Act.

Ms Khedkar, it has been alleged, is not part of the non-creamy section of Other Backward Classes as her father Dilip Khedkar, a former civil servant, had assets worth Rs 40 crore.

The Maharashtra government has submitted its report on the matter to the Centre. The DoPT investigation against her will be completed in two weeks.

The trainee officer made headlines after she was seen using an amber beacon and the state government’s logo on her private Audi. She also demanded a separate house and car, for which junior officers are not eligible.

The  Maharashtra government’s report also mentions her indecent behaviour at the Pune Collectorate where she was posted. Theb report also said she had a dispute with a senior official over the use of the car.