Puja Khedkar Used OBC Non-Creamy Layer Quota For MBBS Seat As Well: Reports

Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer, who is in the eye of storm for alleged misuse of power and discrepancies surrounding her background and admissions.

Khedkar secured admission to Pune's Kashibai Navale Medical College in 2007 under the OBC Nomadic Tribe-3 category, reserved for the Vanjari community.

She later got admitted under the OBC non-creamy layer category for the year 2011-12 when her father, Dilip Khedkar, was a Maharashtra cadre IAS officer, reported India Today.

Her admission, based on scoring 146/200 in the entrance exam, bypassed her lower scores in the Common Entrance Test (CET). Records show her scoring 83% in Class 10 and 74% in Class 12.

Since joining, Khedkar has been embroiled in multiple controversies, notably demanding special accommodations such as a separate cabin, official residence, vehicle, and support staff upon her appointment as Assistant Collector in Pune.

These demands, reported by the Pune District Collector to the Chief Secretary, exceeded standard protocol for probationary officers. Questions have also arisen regarding her OBC status and disability claims, as her family's wealth reportedly exceeds Rs 60 crore, prompting further investigation.

Khedkar's use of red and blue beacon lights on her private Audi, along with a 'Maharashtra government' signage, has further fueled controversy.

She has also been accused of interfering in police matters, allegedly pressuring a senior officer to release an individual arrested in a theft case.

Amidst these allegations, the Centre initiated an inquiry, forming a single-member committee to investigate the accusations against her.