Puja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer, is under scrutiny for allegedly fabricating claims about her mental and visual impairments to qualify for the Civil Services and subsequently, misusing her position. In August 2022, Khedkar applied for a disability certificate in Pune, but her request was denied by the examining doctors who stated, “it is not possible.”
In a letter from Pune’s Aundh Hospital, she was informed, “Please refer to your application dated 23/08/2022 for issue (of) disability certificate for following disability: Locomotor Disability (which can refer to cerebral palsy or a condition affecting bones or muscles that could restrict movement of the legs or arms)… you have been examined by the undersigned / Medical Board on 11/10/2022 and I / We regret to inform that… it is not possible to issue a disability certificate in your favour.”
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This was Khedkar’s second attempt to obtain a disability certificate, having previously sought one from Ahmednagar.
A 2023-batch officer from Ahmednagar, Puja Khedkar garnered attention recently amid allegations that she falsified her mental and visual condition to secure her officer post, despite achieving an unremarkable score in the highly competitive qualifying exam. She reportedly submitted certificates fraudulently obtained from the District Civil Hospital in Ahmednagar.
Refused to undergo medical examination
Last week, it was revealed that Puja Khedkar had repeatedly refused, on six occasions, to undergo a mandatory medical examination to verify her disabilities during the IAS selection process.
The first test, scheduled at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences in April 2022, was missed due to her claim of testing positive for COVID-19. Subsequent appointments in May, July, August, and September were also skipped, including a half-attended sixth appointment where she failed to appear for an MRI to assess vision loss.
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Despite these refusals, Puja Khedkar was appointed as Assistant Collector for Pune district. Reports suggest she leveraged her position to obtain unauthorised perks, such as a siren for her private Audi sedan and a ‘Government of Maharashtra’ sticker for the car. Pune Police have stated they will take action regarding the misuse of the red beacon.
Attempt to influence police
Additionally, Puja Khedkar allegedly attempted to influence the police to release a family member detained on theft charges. She is currently under investigation by a one-member panel and faces dismissal if found guilty.
Meanwhile, Khedkar’s family is embroiled in their own controversy. Her mother, Manorama Khedkar, a village sarpanch, is facing an Arms Act case after being filmed brandishing a pistol during an argument. Her father, Dilip Khedkar, a retired state government officer who might have assisted in securing her post and perks, is also implicated.
Puja Khedkar, now stationed in Washim as a Supernumerary Assistant Collector, has declined to comment on the allegations, citing government regulations. Both her parents are currently missing. Prior to becoming unreachable, Mr. Khedkar asserted his daughter’s innocence and emphasized their non-creamy layer OBC status, which is pertinent to reservation benefits based on income eligibility.
