A Civil Services officer on probation, Puja Khedkar, had reportedly claimed to be visually and mentally impaired in an affidavit submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to avail selection process concessions.
She had refused, six times, to undergo a mandatory medical test to confirm her disabilities. It is unclear how, or why, she was appointed if she, in fact, declined to appear for the examination, NDTV reported.
There are also questions over Khedkar claiming OBC or Other Backward Classes status.
The falsified statements – and allowances gained thereafter – allowed Puja Khedkar to pass the competitive Civil Services Exam despite scoring a relatively low all-India rank of 841.
The Maharashtra government transferred probationary IAS officer Dr Puja Khedkar from Pune to Washim following complaints of alleged misuse of power. She will now serve as supernumerary assistant collector of Washim.
Pune Collector Suhas Divase had written to the Chief Secretary of the Maharashtra government to request Puja Khedkar’s re-assignment.
She was transferred after her ‘exploits’ – including the use of a siren on her private vehicle, an Audi luxury sedan – came to light.
Khedkar also made unfair demands, which included an official car with a VIP number plate, accommodation, an official chamber with adequate staff and a constable.
Apart from using a siren, VIP number plates, and a sticker saying ‘Government of Maharashtra’, Puja Khedkar had also been found using Pune Additional Collector Ajay More’s office while he was away. She reportedly removed his nameplate and furniture and even demanded letterheads, NDTV reported.
None of these perks are available for junior officers, who are on probation for 24 months. Reports further suggest that her father, a retired administrative officer, had pushed for her demands to be fulfilled.
Khedkar, who hails from Ahmednagar, is a 2023-batch IAS officer.