The Controversial Journey of Puja Khedkar: Obtaining Three Disability Certificates in Three Years

The controversy surrounding trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny. Allegations of fraudulent activities, including obtaining multiple disability certificates using different names, have brought her under the spotlight. This article delves deep into the case, exploring the timeline, discrepancies, and implications of her actions.

Background: The Rise of Puja Khedkar

Puja Khedkar, an IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, came into prominence under contentious circumstances. Initially praised for her academic achievements, her career took a drastic turn with allegations of fraudulent activities, particularly related to her disability certificates.

Timeline of Events

2019: The First Disability Certificate

• Issuing Authority: Ahmednagar District Hospital
• Type of Disability: Visual Impairment
• Discrepancies: Questions about the authenticity of the certificate soon arose.

2021: The Second Disability Certificate

• Issuing Authority: Ahmednagar District Hospital
• Type of Disability: Combined Visual Impairment and Mental Illness
• Discrepancies: Further scrutiny revealed inconsistencies in her medical documentation.

2022: The Third Disability Certificate

• Issuing Authority: Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital, Pimpri
• Type of Disability: Locomotor Disability (7% in left knee)
• Method: Khedkar allegedly used a fake ration card and incorrect address to obtain this certificate.

Discrepancies and Controversies

Multiple Names and Identifications

• Names Used: Khedkar Puja Deeliprao and Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar
• Implications: The use of different names raised questions about the legitimacy of her claims.

Fake Ration Card and Wrong Address

• Address Used: Plot No. 53, Dehu-Alandi, Talwade (a non-residential property)
• Actions Taken: The property was sealed by the municipal corporation due to unpaid taxes.

The Case Filed by UPSC

• Complaint: The UPSC lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police, leading to an investigation into Khedkar’s activities.

The Legal and Ethical Implications

Legal Proceedings

• Charges: Fraudulent claims, forgery, and misrepresentation
• Current Status: An ongoing investigation by the Delhi Police

Ethical Considerations

• Impact on Trust: The case has shaken public trust in the integrity of civil services examinations.
• Implications for Other Candidates: Concerns about fairness and the potential disadvantages faced by genuine candidates.

Reactions and Responses

Government and Institutional Responses

• UPSC: The commission has initiated measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
• Maharashtra Government: Officials have expressed their intent to take strict action against any proven misconduct.

Public and Media Reactions

• Public Outcry: The controversy has sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability.
• Media Coverage: Extensive coverage by news outlets has kept the issue in the public eye.

Conclusion

The case of Puja Khedkar serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for abuse within bureaucratic systems. It underscores the importance of rigorous verification processes and ethical conduct. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what repercussions this controversy will have on the civil services and public trust in governance.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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