Mumbai: The government has temporarily suspended the district training program of IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who is under investigation for allegedly forging disability certificates to pass the Civil Services examination.

Puja Khedkar has been instructed to return to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration by July 23, according to a state government official. The academy has opted to recall her for further necessary action, as noted in a letter from Nitin Gadre, the Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. The letter states that Khedkar's district training program is on hold and she has been recalled for additional steps.

The letter reads: “You are hereby relieved from the district training program of the state government of Maharashtra. You are instructed to join the academy at the earliest but not later than 23rd July 2024 under any circumstance.” 

Khedkar, 34, gained attention following reports of her alleged demands for a separate office and official car, as well as the unauthorized use of a beacon in her private vehicle. PTI