Father Defends IAS Officer Accused of Fake Certificates, Misuse of Power

The father of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, accused of using fake disability and OBC certificates to clear the civil services exam, defended her, insisting on her innocence. Puja's conduct during her posting and her abrupt transfer have sparked controversy. Her father argued that she acted within legal boundaries.

The father of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, accused of using fake disability and OBC certificates to clear the civil services exam, defended her on Sunday, stressing that she hadn't done anything illegal.

Puja recently came under intense media scrutiny after alleged demands for a separate cabin and staff during her posting in Pune and her abrupt transfer to Washim district.

She faced further allegations of securing a position in the IAS by taking the civil services exam under the Other Backward Class (OBC) and visually impaired categories, along with submitting a mental illness certificate.

Her father, Dilip Khedkar, a former Maharashtra government employee, maintained that she belongs to the non-creamy layer. He explained income thresholds determine creamy-layer status, not property valuation.

On accusations of misuse of power in Pune, including the use of a luxury car with a beacon, Dilip said his daughter had approval from her seniors.

The police confiscated the luxury car on Sunday. Additional allegations include her removing the nameplate of a senior official when allowed to use his office, which Dilip claimed was permitted.

Dilip defended Puja's use of disability certificates, stating the criteria set by the government, and mentioned missed medical check-ups due to COVID-19.

Despite being asked to report to AIIMS for disability certificate verification, Puja cited COVID infection to avoid it. The Centre has set up a committee to re-examine her documents.

Dilip also defended Puja's mother, Manorama, involved in a separate incident of threatening with a gun, asserting she acted in self-defense.

(With inputs from agencies.)