An internal investigation by Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital in Pune has concluded that the issuance of a seven per cent locomotor disability certificate to Puja Khedkar was done without any malpractice, a senior hospital official confirmed on Wednesday.
YCM Hospital dean Dr Rajendra Wable stated, “The internal report validated that the certificate was issued after a comprehensive evaluation by our physiotherapy and orthopaedic departments. The medical test adhered to all regulations, and no foul play was detected.”
The findings of the investigation also dismiss Puja Khedkar’s claims of having a locomotor disability significant enough to qualify for any special benefits related to her pursuit of becoming an IAS officer.
“It has been clarified that the certificate does not entitle any benefits in education or employment,” Dr Wable emphasised.
The hospital initiated the investigation following a letter from the Pune Collector’s office querying the validity of Puja Khedkar’s claims concerning her disability certificate.
Addressing allegations that Puja Khedkar used the address of a private company to obtain her medical certificate, Dr Wable clarified, “Verifying addresses is not within the hospital’s purview. Our responsibility is to confirm that the individual is a resident of the Pimpri Chinchwad area, which was duly checked.”
Puja Khedkar, a 2023 batch IAS officer, has come under scrutiny for allegedly using false physical disability and OBC quota claims to secure her civil service position.
Earlier this year, she was transferred from Pune to Washim due to allegations of power misuse, including demanding perks and unlawfully occupying the office of an additional collector during her probationary period.
Following the emergence of these allegations, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, recalled Puja Khedkar and suspended her probationary period.
