📷 Image Credits: NDTV
The controversy surrounding probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been making headlines recently, with allegations of her using fake disability and OBC certificates to secure her position in the civil services exam. Puja’s father, Dilip Khedkar, came to her defense, emphasizing that she is eligible for OBC non-creamy layer benefits. Despite facing intense media scrutiny, Puja’s family maintains her innocence. The 2023 batch IAS officer, currently posted in Maharashtra, has been accused of demanding special privileges, including a separate cabin and staff during her posting in Pune. Additionally, her transfer to Washim district raised further eyebrows. The misuse of a private luxury car with a VIP number plate, red-blue beacon, and allegations of removing a senior official’s nameplate from her office have added to the controversy. Dilip Khedkar clarified that all actions were taken with proper permissions from the authorities. Puja’s OBC non-creamy layer status has been called into question due to her family’s substantial assets. RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar pointed out discrepancies in her income and property declarations, raising doubts about her eligibility for OBC benefits. The government has initiated a review of Puja’s candidate documents, aiming to address the allegations of certificate misuse. As the investigation unfolds, Puja Khedkar’s case remains under scrutiny, shedding light on the complexities of the civil services exam and the scrutiny faced by aspiring officers.
