UPSC Files FIR Against IAS Officer for Identity Fraud in Selection Process

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has lodged an FIR against IAS probationer Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar for allegedly faking her identity to gain extra attempts in the Civil Services Examination. The Commission has also issued a show cause notice for her disqualification and future exam debarment.

In a significant development, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced on Friday that it has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against IAS probationer Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar. She is accused of fraudulently availing attempts beyond the permissible limit by faking her identity, said the Commission in a press release.

The UPSC revealed that Khedkar manipulated various personal details such as her name, her parents' names, photograph, signature, email ID, mobile number, and address to secure additional attempts in the Civil Service Examination 2022, in violation of the Examination Rules.

In response, the Commission has initiated several actions including criminal prosecution and has issued a show cause notice aimed at canceling Khedkar's selection and debarring her from future examinations. Further investigations are ongoing, with the UPSC emphasizing its commitment to due diligence in adhering to its constitutional mandate.

The officer has also been withdrawn from the District Training Programme of the Maharashtra State Government and recalled to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Her training has been suspended pending further action, as per a letter from Additional Chief Secretary Nitin Gadre.

Khedkar, who secured an All India rank of 821 in the UPSC exams, now faces serious allegations of identity fraud and misuse of authority. The UPSC has reiterated its stance on maintaining stringent standards for fairness and integrity in its examination processes. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)