Probe Into IAS Officer's Medical Certificates: Authenticity Under Scrutiny for Puja Khedkar

Pune police are investigating the authenticity of medical certificates submitted by probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who is facing allegations of misrepresentation under the physical disabilities category. Khedkar, stationed in Washim district, is accused of submitting fraudulent documents to clear her civil services exam. A government committee has been formed to probe her candidature.

The Pune police are set to launch an inquiry into the authenticity of medical certificates submitted by probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, accused of fraudulently representing herself under the physical disabilities category, according to an official statement on Tuesday.

Khedkar, a 2023-batch officer currently assigned to Washim district, had furnished several medical certificates, including one indicating visual impairment, under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) provision to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The Maharashtra cadre officer, 34, faces allegations of using deceitful practices to pass her civil services exam, including misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities and OBC categories, and abusing her power while in Pune.

The Commissioner For Persons With Disabilities has formally requested that Pune police and the district collectorate verify Khedkar's submitted certificates. A senior police official confirmed that the authenticity of these documents, including their source and the certifying doctors or hospitals, will be thoroughly examined. It has emerged that Khedkar also submitted a fitness certificate for a medical college admission in 2007.

Last week, the Centre appointed an additional secretary-rank officer to lead a single-member committee tasked with verifying Khedkar's candidature and providing a report within two weeks. Khedkar has sidestepped questions about the investigation, expressing confidence that the truth will prevail. Meanwhile, Pune police are also searching for her parents, who are involved in a separate criminal case.

Authorities have registered an FIR against her parents and five others after a video surfaced showing Khedkar's mother, Manorama Khedkar, village sarpanch, allegedly threatening individuals with a gun over a land dispute. The Pune police also confiscated a luxury car used by Khedkar, allegedly fitted illegally with a red beacon light.