Puja Khedkar Controversy: From Fake Certificate To Address; Know New Facts About This Trainee IAS Officer

Puja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer embroiled in controversy, faces new scrutiny over discrepancies in her disability certificates and personal details, casting doubt on her civil service selection.

Recent revelations have unveiled multiple disability certificates submitted by Khedkar, including those from Ahmednagar District Civil Hospital in 2018 and 2021. Her application for a disability certificate from Aundh government hospital in Pune was rejected in 2022 after medical tests.

Of particular concern is a certificate issued by Pune's Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital on August 24, 2022. It lists Khedkar's address as "Plot No 53, Dehu Alandi Road, Talawade, Pimpri Chinchwad," but this location houses Thermoverta Engineering Company, not residential premises. Intriguingly, Khedkar's impounded Audi, caught using unauthorized beacons, is registered under this company.

Compounding the controversy, Khedkar's certificate cites a ration card instead of Aadhaar, mandated by the government for disability certification. It identifies her condition as "Locomotor Disability" due to an "Old ACL tear with left knee instability," with a disability extent of seven per cent.

The discrepancy in disability percentage raises significant questions about Khedkar's eligibility for relaxations during her civil service selection. While she applied for benefits under the "person with benchmark disability" category, UPSC rules stipulate a minimum 40 per cent disability, far exceeding her documented seven per cent.

Earlier, Khedkar missed multiple medical appointments at AIIMS in Delhi, opting instead for a private facility report, further complicating the verification process. The Pune Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has requested a police inquiry into the authenticity of Khedkar's certificates, with the Centre initiating its own investigation into her candidacy.

How It All Began

Khedkar's journey into controversy began last month with a letter from Pune collector Dr Suhas Diwase to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik. In the letter, Dr Diwase highlighted several demands made by Khedkar.

According to Dr Diwase, Khedkar insisted on having a separate cabin, a car, residential quarters, and a peon even before she officially started her duties at the collectorate. He pointed out that as a probationary officer under a two-year probation period, she was not entitled to these privileges. Additionally, Khedkar faced accusations of removing the nameplate of a senior official from the collector's office while he was on leave.

Following this, Khedkar was transferred to Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector. These allegations of unreasonable demands quickly sparked scrutiny of her selection for the civil service.

Recently, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration took action by placing a hold on Khedkar's training and recalling her for "necessary action," underscoring the escalating nature of the situation.

Puja Khedkar Defends Amidst Allegations

Khedkar has staunchly defended herself amidst mounting allegations, decrying what she claims is a media trial aimed at prejudicing public opinion.

Asserting her stance, Khedkar stated, "The truth will come out" once she presents her case before the probe committee established by the Centre. She expressed confidence in the committee's decision, emphasizing that it should be acceptable to all parties involved. Drawing from constitutional principles, Khedkar highlighted the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, condemning what she perceives as premature judgment through media scrutiny.

In a proactive move, Khedkar lodged a formal complaint against Pune district collector Dr Diwases. This complaint has been forwarded to Pune Police, though an FIR has yet to be registered.