IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Faces Controversy Over Alleged Disability Misrepresentation

Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar is currently embroiled in a controversy surrounding her alleged misrepresentation of disabilities during the UPSC selection process, leading to her recent transfer from Pune to Washim.

Khedkar, who secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 821 in the UPSC exams under the OBC and PWBD categories, is the daughter of retired Maharashtra government officer Dilip Khedkar.

Her father, Dilip Khedkar, previously ran as a candidate for the Lok Sabha from Ahmednagar under the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi party.

Following her transfer to Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector, Puja Khedkar has chosen not to comment on the allegations she is currently facing.

The Maharashtra government, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie have all requested reports from the state regarding the situation.

In recent developments, Pune-based RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar has brought attention to several accusations against Puja Khedkar, prompting action from Pune’s collector and district magistrate Suhas Diwase.

Pune’s police commissioner, Amitesh Kumar, has assured that appropriate measures will be taken in response to the allegations, which include claims of flaunting status, connections, and wealth.

Accusations also involve allegations of improper use of a personal high-end Audi A4 vehicle, with reports indicating unauthorized installation of emergency beacon lights, a ‘Maharashtra Government‘ sticker, and obtaining a VIP registration number through external means.