Pune Collector Suhas Diwase has dismissed harassment allegations made by Puja Khedkar, a trainee Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer whose provisional candidature was recently annulled by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Diwase characterized the charges as “nonsensical” and suggested they emerged as an “afterthought” following Khedkar’s transfer from Pune to Washim.
In a statement to The Indian Express, Diwase clarified that he met Khedkar on three separate occasions between June 3 and June 14. Each meeting took place in the presence of other officials and legal representatives, which, according to Diwase, disproves her harassment claims.
The controversy began after Diwase submitted a report to the Maharashtra government detailing Khedkar’s alleged misconduct during her probationary period. This report was instrumental in the UPSC’s decision to cancel Khedkar’s provisional candidacy for the Civil Services Examination 2022 (CSE-2022).
Khedkar’s troubles have intensified with the UPSC’s recent decision to permanently bar her from future examinations or selections. The Commission found her guilty of violating the CSE-2022 rules by fraudulently extending her attempts and misrepresenting her identity. Khedkar faces additional legal issues, including accusations of cheating and forgery, with a Delhi court expected to rule on her anticipatory bail request today.
Khedkar was initially given until July 25 to respond to the UPSC’s notice but requested an extension until August 4 to provide the necessary documentation.
The situation remains fluid as Khedkar continues to face significant legal and professional challenges following these developments.
