Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities Writes to Pune Police Seeking Investigation Into IAS Puja Khedkar’s Documents for Reservation
Pune, 13th July 2024: A group of physically disabled individuals (Divyang) approached the Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, Pune, concerning the issuance of fake disability certificates for obtaining government jobs. They have urged an investigation into both the individuals and the doctors who provided these certificates, citing a recent incident involving IAS officer Puja Khedkar allegedly using such means to secure her civil service position.
In response to this letter, Pravin Kundlik Puri, Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, has asked Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar to conduct an inquiry and take action as per relevant laws.
Activists Rafiq Khan, Dharmendra Satav, Akash Kumbhar, Vishnu Gundal, Sunanda Bamhane, and others also met Pune’s Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma and submitted a letter demanding an investigation.
Speaking to Punekar News, Khan said, “We have come across media reports alleging Khedkar’s use of a fake disability certificate. When we approached government officials seeking an inquiry, they asked us to provide evidence. How can we chase officers seeking details? We have submitted letters to the police for an inquiry.”
The letter emphasizes that if guilt is established, appropriate action should be taken under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 and other relevant Maharashtra State Government policies concerning individuals with disabilities.
Concerns have been raised regarding the recruitment of Puja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer of the 2023 batch. Questions have been raised about her claim of visual impairment and mental illness, which she purportedly used to obtain concessions during her selection process. Reports indicate that Khedkar evaded mandatory medical tests on multiple occasions, casting doubt on the legitimacy of her disability claims. The central government has appointed a committee to specifically examine whether she exploited disability and reservation quotas in her appointment process.
