Amid Puja Khedkar Row, Another Ex-Bureaucrat Comes Under Fire For Disability Claim

Amid allegations that trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar allegedly submitted fake disability certificates to secure her job, and scrutiny over another former bureaucrat, Abhishek Singh, who claimed disability for UPSC concessions, questions are being raised about integrity in bureaucratic selections.

Abhishek Singh, who resigned last year to pursue a career in acting, faced criticism after his dance and gym videos went viral.

Responding to accusations, Singh stated on X, "I have achieved everything through hard work and courage, not through reservation."

He added, "I move on the strength of my talent, confidence, and courage, not in anyone's favor."

"Although I am not affected by any criticism, this is the first time I am answering my critics because my supporters asked me to. Since I started supporting reservations, anti-reservationists have targeted me. They question my caste and my job. Let me tell you, I have achieved everything through hard work and courage, not through reservation," he said in a post on X.

"I have done social work through my initiatives like United by Blood and the No-Shame Movement without government help. I believe that reservation in government jobs should be according to the population, and I will work towards that. If you think you have talent, stop trying for government jobs and excel in business, sports, or acting. There is no reservation there," he added.

Meanwhile, Puja Khedkar came under fire for allegedly using a siren on her private Audi and demanding privileges not available to junior officers.

She faces serious charges for allegedly misrepresenting her disabilities in affidavits to the UPSC. The Centre has formed a committee to investigate, with potential consequences including dismissal and criminal charges if found guilty.