Pune, July 16: The controversy surrounding trainee Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Puja Khedkar has deepened following revelations from Ahmednagar District Hospital in Maharashtra. According to a medical report, Khedkar has been diagnosed with depression coupled with myopic degeneration affecting both eyes, qualifying her with a 51 per cent disability. Dr Sanjay Ghogare, Ahmednagar District Civil Surgeon, confirmed that the hospital's report, certifying Khedkar's disabilities, was submitted to District Collector S Salimath and is set to be forwarded to the Nashik divisional commissioner today, July 16.

As reported by the Indian Express, the certification process followed examinations by specialists in 2018 and 2021, which determined Khedkar's conditions. Khedkar's situation came under public scrutiny due to allegations of misusing disability and caste-based reservations. According to the latest report, Khedkar was certified with 40 per cent disability due to impaired vision and 20 per cent disability due to temporary depression. The authenticity of these certifications has been verified, affirming their accuracy under established norms. Puja Khedkar’s Training in Maharashtra Cancelled Amid IAS Selection Controversy.

Controversy and Committee Inquiry

Khedkar's disabilities came into question amidst allegations regarding her conduct, leading to her recent transfer from Pune to Washim. The authenticity of her disability certificates, issued in 2018 and 2021, has been verified and confirmed by medical authorities. Dr SV Raskar, an ophthalmic surgeon, determined in 2018 that Khedkar had 40 per cent permanent disability due to her visual impairment. Subsequently, in 2021, she was diagnosed with depression by Dr Yogesh Gadekar, a psychiatrist, and Minal Katkol, a clinical psychologist, under the Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale, as reported by the Indian Express. Pooja Khedkar, Controversial IAS Officer, May Be Terminated From Service if Found Guilty; Centre’s Probe Begins.

The controversy escalated further as Khedkar faced scrutiny over alleged unauthorised demands for office facilities and the misuse of official privileges, including the improper use of a beacon on her private vehicle. Her appointment under the Other Backward Class (OBC) and disability quotas has also raised suspicions, prompting the Central government to initiate a probe through a dedicated committee.

The committee tasked with investigating Khedkar's conduct is expected to deliver its findings within two weeks. Meanwhile, the latest medical report reaffirms that Khedkar's disabilities are legitimate under prevailing norms, attributing 40 per cent of her disability to her visual impairment and an additional 20 per cent due to depression of a temporary nature.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2024 06:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).