UPSC initiates action against trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar for fraud, files FIR

New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday filed an First Information Report (FIR) against Pooja Khedkar, the trainee IAS officer, besides issuing a show cause notice for cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination-2022 and also debar her from future examinations.

According to an official statement, The UPSC has conducted a detailed and thorough investigation in the misdemeanour of Ms. Pooja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, a provisionally recommended candidate of the Civil Services Examination-2022.

From this investigation it has been revealed that she fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the Examination Rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father’s and mother’s name, her photograph/ signature, her email ID, mobile number and address.

The UPSC further said that it has initiated a series of actions against her, including Criminal Prosecution by filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the Police Authorities and has issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) for cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination-2022/ debarment from future examinations/ selections, in accordance with the Rules of the Civil Services Examination-2022.

“It is categorically stated that in fulfilling its Constitutional obligations, the UPSC stringently adheres to its Constitutional mandate, and conducts all its processes, including all examinations, with the highest possible order of due diligence without any compromise. The UPSC has ensured the sanctity and integrity of all its examination processes with the utmost fairness and strict observance of Rules,” the statement said.

The UPSC has deservedly earned the trust and credibility of a very high order from the public, especially the candidates. The Commission is unequivocally committed to ensure that such high order of trust and credibility remains intact and uncompromised, the statement added.