Pune: City-based RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar has raised a very pertinent question about the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the backdrop of controversial former probationary IAS officer Dr Puja Khedkar’s case in an editorial piece, ‘How did I unmasked Puja Khedkar’, he has written in Mumbai-based English newspaper ‘The Perfect Voice’ (Friday, August 23, 2024).

He writes, “This case underscores systemic issues within the IAS and broader public service. It highlights the urgent need for stricter scrutiny of public officials’ wealth and lifestyle to prevent abuses of power. It calls for greater transparency in the verification of caste and disability certificates ensuring that benefits are reserved for those who genuinely need them.”

Kumbhar has explained how he exposed the hoodwinking of the selection process by Khedkar. The RTI activist demonstrates how a little suspicion can lead to a big expose. He states, “My involvement in exposing Khedkar’s fraud was born out of a simple curiosity. A photo of her car, complete with a beacon – a symbol of authority – surfaced on social media.”   

He used easily available tools such as Google search to dig out details about Puja Khedkar. Kumbhar writes: “A few keystrokes on Google revealed a treasure trove of information about Khedkar, including details of her caste certificate and disability claims. This information readily available on UPSC websites, painted a picture that did not quite fit the narrative expected of a public servant. Further scrutiny raised uncomfortable questions about her personal integrity and the broader ethical standards that should guide public officials in India.”

Hitting the nail on its head, Kumbhar reveals how an important proof exposed Khedkar’s claims in her application form for the UPSC exam. He says, “One of the most damning pieces of evidence was her father’s recent election affidavit, revealing assets worth Rs 40 crores. This staggering wealth starkly contradicted her eligibility for non-creamy layer benefits, a key factor in her selection for the IAS. Despite her claims of mental illness and multiple disabilities, Khedkar repeatedly evaded medical examination – a fact that only deepened the suspicion of foul play.”