Pune, July 17, 2024 – An exclusive report by India Today has uncovered a major scandal involving IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, who allegedly used a fake address and a forged ration card to obtain a disability certificate.
Fake Address and Forged Documents:
Khedkar provided Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital with the address ‘Plot No. 53, Dehu-Alandi, Talwade,’ claiming it as her residence in Pimpri-Chinchwad to secure the fake disability certificate. However, it was revealed that this address belongs to Thermoverita Engineering Private Limited, a defunct corporation, rather than a residential address.
Further investigation found that a forged ration card was created using this corporate address, which Khedkar then used to obtain a disability certificate. The certificate, issued on August 24, 2022, alleged that she had a 7% disability in her knee.
Corporate Connections:
Interestingly, an Audi vehicle has been registered under the name of the same Thermoverita firm. According to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipality’s tax collection department, the company owes Rs 2.7 lakh in taxes for the last three years.
Investigation and Charges:
Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer, is now under investigation for fabricating the disability certificate to gain an advantage in the UPSC recruitment process. Her OBC non-creamy-layer designation is also under scrutiny following allegations of abuse of authority.
Family Involvement and Property Holdings:
On Tuesday evening, the Pune Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) submitted a comprehensive report to state headquarters regarding the property holdings of Khedkar’s father, Dilip Khedkar. He previously served as the Director of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) until his retirement in 2020 and has been accused of acquiring disproportionate assets during his tenure. Further actions are anticipated pending higher-level reviews.
Abuse of Power and Additional Charges:
Puja Khedkar is also facing serious charges, including abuse of power, demanding special privileges, and threatening police personnel. She was transferred from Pune to Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector after Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase filed a report against her. Allegations include her demanding a separate office, official apartment, car, and support staff, benefits not entitled to probationary officers.
Government and Institutional Response:
A committee formed by the central government is currently investigating the charges against Khedkar. On Tuesday, the government halted her district training program and summoned her to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration for “necessary action.”
Khedkar’s Denial:
Puja Khedkar has denied all charges, alleging that she is the victim of “fake news” and misinformation. She has also filed a complaint against the Pune district collector, claiming harassment.
This developing story underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining integrity within the civil services and the rigorous scrutiny faced by public officials. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
