Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer, has been recalled to the National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie and her training has been put on hold. This follows allegations of misuse of power and privileges, including manipulating disability and OBC certificates to secure her civil service position.
The authenticity of her certificates, including one claiming visual impairment, is under investigation. Khedkar skipped several medical appointments at AIIMS Delhi, despite being referred by the UPSC. Her application for a disability certificate at a Pune hospital was rejected.
Khedkar has been accused of demanding inappropriate perks and facilities while serving as an assistant collector in Pune, including using a red beacon and government sticker on her personal car, using a senior official’s office, and requesting a separate house and car – privileges not available to probationary officers.
An investigation has been launched into her OBC non-creamy layer status, with allegations that her family income exceeds the eligibility threshold. A police investigation is also underway regarding a video showing her mother, a village sarpanch, allegedly threatening individuals with a gun.
Khedkar maintains she is the victim of misinformation and a media trial. She has agreed to testify before the committee set up to verify her candidature and stated she will accept their decision.
