Controversy Surrounds IAS Officer Dr. Puja Khedkar Over Disability Certificates

Probationary IAS officer Dr. Puja Khedkar faces allegations of manipulating disability and OBC certificates to gain entry into civil services. An investigation has been launched by the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. Dr. Khedkar denies the accusations and claims she is a victim of defamation and misinformation campaigns.

Probationary IAS officer Dr. Puja Khedkar is at the center of a swirling controversy over allegations of manipulating disability and OBC certificates to secure her position in the civil services. A senior official disclosed on Tuesday that Dr. Khedkar had obtained a partial 'locomotor disability' certificate from a hospital in Pimpri, Pune, in August 2022.

Khedkar, who was recently transferred from Pune to Washim amid these allegations, claimed she was being subjected to defamation. The Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has ordered a probe into the authenticity of various certificates she submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), one of which indicated visual impairment.

Dr. Rajendra Wable, dean of Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital in Pimpri, revealed that Dr. Khedkar applied for a disability certificate regarding her left limb knee joint in 2022. 'She was assessed by multiple departments and it was found she has a seven per cent locomotor disability,' said Dr. Wable. Meanwhile, Khedkar expressed her distress over being the target of misinformation, urging media outlets to act responsibly.

Following her transfer, where she is now a supernumerary assistant collector in Washim, Pune Police received instructions to verify the certificates' authenticity. A committee set up by the Union government is expected to submit a report within two weeks. Additionally, Dr. Khedkar's parents are under investigation for a separate criminal case involving threats and misuse of a luxury car with unauthorized red beacon lights.