Pune: Probationary IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Inspected UPSC Prelims Exam Centre On June 16, Got Video Made On iPhone

Reported by Mubarak Ansari & Tikam Shekhawat

Shivajinagar, 13th July 2024: Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar is currently under investigation for alleged misuse of reservation documents and questionable conduct during her training period at the Pune District Collector’s office. The investigation has intensified following revelations about her conduct at the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination on June 16, when she ‘inspected’ an exam centre.

According to sources at the Pune District Collector’s office, four senior IAS officers were appointed as observers for the UPSC examination in the district. These officers included the PMC Commissioner, PMPML CMD, Commissioner for Cooperation Registrar of Cooperative Societies, and SARTHI Head.

However, Puja Khedkar was present to inspect the exam centre at Modern School in Shivajinagar, Pune.

A Reddit user, who appeared for the exam, provided a detailed account of Puja Khedkar’s unexpected appearance at the exam centre after reading about the recent controversies surrounding the IAS officer. The user narrated an incident where Khedkar arrived at the venue in a luxury Land Cruiser.

“Little late to the Party but I thought this should be shared as well. So my exam centre for Prelims June 16 was at Modern Boys High School in Pune. When I reached at the centre a good 30 minutes prior, there was a Land Cruiser parked in front of the main gate on the street itself. Mind you, this street is one way and no traffic. Funny thing is Traffic police station is 50 feet away from the gate and bungalow of Jt. Commissioner of Police is also within 100 feet.

So anyway, I was curious to see LC200 which cost upwards of 2.5 Crores and obviously wondering who could have come in such a luxurious vehicle to give exam. Little bit time was there to enter into hall and out of curiosity, I searched the RC of that LC200. The Registration plate was MH12RP5000, I still remember it being a Navy Blue car…..

So, Exam started. An hour was passed and suddenly one lady (Yes, the famous Puja Khedkar) appeared outside of exam hall. There was a private cameraman along with her who was holding an iPhone to shoot her doing the inspection and the same guy was the driver in that LC. She wore a Navy Blue blazer with LBSNAA logo…. There was a broach as well on her coat with IAS logo. One lady was showing her the exam halls who might be from the centre. I still vividly remember her face because to be honest, I was quite mesmerized by her Blazer coat and those IAS initials. (I know, I know) And I am quite sure everyone in the classroom had similar thoughts.

When I came outside, we discussed about her and one of the friends recognized her being Khedkar. It still did not come to my mind that the LC200 parked outside could be hers (I mean, how come an IAS be traveling in LC200).

It all came to only when I saw her mother’s video where she threatened farmers with Pistol. If you can see that video, you can clearly spot the same LC200. So Yeah, this officer also has a LC200.

But the concerning part was about her presence at UPSC centre. 1) Her probation at Pune started on June 03 and I seriously doubt that she would be assigned UPSC duty (If so, she would have visited along with some officials, not her driver) 2) How come police or exam centre supervisors did not check whether she was allowed to be there or not. 3) How come she brought a private person (her driver) into the centre and he was video-shooting her visit?

So many questions. This story can be confirmed by whoever was present on that centre or if they really want to dig in, they can check CCTV. As per my knowledge, this is a criminal misdemeanor.”

When contacted, a Modern School official confirmed that Puja Khedkar was indeed present during the UPSC Prelims exam for inspection. “During such exams, the Collector’s office takes over the premises for conducting the exam,” she stated.

However, a letter from Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase to the state government dated June 26, which led to Khedkar’s transfer to Washim district for her probation period, specified that June 16 was a holiday for her. The letter also provided a datewise allotment of departments and offices for her training, raising further questions about her presence and conduct at the exam centre on that date.