IAS Officer Puja Khedkar's Disability Certificate Cleared Amid Fraud Allegations

A civic hospital near Pune has cleared IAS probationer Puja Khedkar's seven percent locomotor disability certificate as per rules, despite allegations of fraud. Khedkar is accused of manipulating disability and OBC quotas for the UPSC exam. Investigations continue, with the UPSC taking disciplinary actions against her.

A civic hospital near Pune has verified that the seven percent locomotor disability certificate issued to IAS probationer Puja Khedkar was in accordance with regulations, despite allegations of fraud. The Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital's internal probe found no misconduct in issuing the document, a senior official confirmed on Wednesday.

Khedkar, who faces allegations of manipulating both disability and Other Backward Classes (OBC) quotas to clear the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, applied for disability certification for her left knee in 2022. The certificate, issued on August 24, 2022, confirmed her seven percent disability in the knee, officials reiterated. An internal investigation within YCM Hospital, prompted by a communication from the Pune collectorate, confirmed that the certificate was legitimately issued.

The probe, mandated by the district authorities, revealed no wrongdoing in the issuance of the disability certificate to Khedkar. However, the UPSC has nonetheless initiated disciplinary measures, including a show-cause notice for cancelation of her civil services candidature, registration of a police case, and debarment from future UPSC exams.

(With inputs from agencies.)