Puja Khedkar case: Disability certificate likely forged, says Delhi Police
The Delhi Police has submitted a status report to the Delhi High Court stating that former Maharashtra Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Probationary Officer Puja Khedkar may have submitted two separate disability certificates for her Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams. The certificates, dated 2018 and 2021, were allegedly issued by Ahmednagar District Civil Hospital. However, Delhi Police's status report says the hospital authority has denied issuing any such certificate to Khedkar.
Why does this story matter?
Khedkar, a 2022 batch officer, faces allegations of fraudulently exceeding the permissible number of attempts in the UPSC examination by falsifying her identity. Additionally, she is accused of misusing her official position by using a red siren, VIP plates, and a "Government of Maharashtra" sticker on her private Audi vehicle. The Delhi Police have registered an FIR against her under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.
Hospital denies issuing disability certificates to Khedkar
The Ahmednagar District Civil Authority has refuted claims of issuing a certificate citing "multiple disabilities" to Khedkar. The Delhi Police's report quotes the authority: "Disability Certificate (Multiple Disability) vide No. MH2610119900342407 has not been issued by the Issuing Medical Authority, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra as per our Civil Surgeon Office Records." This statement suggests a likelihood of forgery or fabrication in the disability certificates submitted by Khedkar for her UPSC exams in 2022 and 2023.
Explained: Puja Khedkar controversy
Khedkar had previously claimed to suffer from various physical and mental illnesses, allegedly using these claims to gain benefits under relevant quotas for the Civil Services Examinations-2022. After passing her CSE-2022, she was assigned to the 2023 Maharashtra cadre and posted as an IAS-PO at Pune. However, her tenure was marked by controversy and she was eventually transferred to Washim.
UPSC strikes off Khedkar's name
On July 31, following a series of revelations, the UPSC removed Khedkar's name from the IAS list and permanently barred her from future exams. A police complaint was also lodged against her. Before this, on July 19, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy for Administration (LBSNAA) had canceled Khedkar's field training and ordered her to report back by July 23—a directive she failed to comply with.
Khedkar faces multiple probes
Khedkar is currently under investigation for various alleged acts of omission and commission by authorities in Maharashtra and the Centre. She has remained mostly silent for several months now. Her parents are also embroiled in different cases within the state. On August 29, the Delhi HC extended interim protection from arrest for Khedkar until September 5.
