New Delhi: A high-level committee has been established to verify the claims and other details of IAS officer Puja Khedkar. However, there is a possibility that some officials from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) might be implicated in this case.

Khedkar, a 2023 batch officer, is still in her probationary period. Questions regarding her selection have arisen even before the completion of this period.

Puja Khedkar cleared the IAS exam by submitting a certificate stating she is visually impaired. Despite passing the exam, there are doubts about her actual visual impairment.

Despite being asked six times, she has not undergone a medical test to verify this claim. Additionally, there are questions regarding her income certificate.

To investigate these matters, an additional secretary from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in the central government has been appointed. The UPSC operates under the purview of this department.

This issue is not limited to Puja Khedkar alone. There is a possibility that some UPSC officials might also be involved. Questions have been raised about why her documents were not verified initially, or if they were, how discrepancies were overlooked.

A report from the inquiry is expected within two weeks. Following this, the DoPT may take action against Puja Khedkar. Sources suggest that such an incident could not have occurred without the support of UPSC officials.

There is also a likelihood that the officials in charge at the time might be investigated. If the allegations against Puja Khedkar are found to be true, she could face dismissal from service.

Puja Khedkar has now been transferred to Washim from her training post in Pune following allegations of misconduct. Khedkar was initially appointed as a probationary Assistant District Magistrate, after which she allegedly made various demands from senior officers.