Controversy Surrounds IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Over Alleged Misuse of Power

Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar is embroiled in a controversy involving allegations of misuse of power and fraudulent practices in clearing civil service exams. An investigation has been initiated to re-examine her documents, including fitness and caste certificates. The Pune police have also issued a show-cause notice to her mother for brandishing a licensed gun.

Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar is at the center of a controversy over alleged misuse of power and privileges. She submitted a fitness certificate for her admission to a private medical college in 2007, confirmed the institute’s director, Dr. Arvind Bhore, on Monday.

“There was no mention of any disability, whether physical or mental, in the medical fitness certificate submitted by Puja Khedkar when she joined our college in 2007,” Dr. Bhore stated. Additionally, she had submitted certificates indicating her NT (Nomadic Tribes) category and Vanjari community status.

The 34-year-old officer faces accusations of fraudulently clearing her civil services exams, allegedly misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities and OBC categories. A re-examination of all documents presented by her has been ordered by the Centre. Meanwhile, Pune police have issued a show-cause notice to her mother, Manorama, over the misuse of a licensed gun, which was seen in a viral video clip from a 2023 altercation.