‘Police did not come on their own’: IAS trainee Puja Khedkar clarifies police presence at home

Khedkar refused to comment when asked about a viral video of her mother threatening employees of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority. “You can ask me questions, but I don’t want to comment on that topic since it is not related,” she said.

Khedkar emphasised the confidentiality of the proceedings of an expert committee the Central Government has set up after a controversy broke out over her claims and conduct. She has appeared before the panel.

“The committee’s communication is kept confidential to keep its work free from any interference. Its communication is not shared with the media,” she said, and compared its confidentiality to the integrity maintained in the election process.

Khedkar has been embroiled in controversy for allegedly misrepresenting herself under the physically disabled category. Dr Rajendra Wabale from Pune’s Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital has confirmed that Khedkar has a 7 per cent locomotor disability, far below the 40 per cent benchmark required to avail of benefits.

Regarding the age discrepancies in her certificates, Khedkar said, “Whatever is there, the committee will look into it. The experts will take the decision on my submissions.”

Khedkar claimed that new information emerging every day in connection with the controversy was fake. “A lot of misinformation is being spread. I am being defamed regularly. I request the media to behave responsibly. I have a lot of faith in the media, which is considered the fourth pillar of democracy. I request the media not to spread misinformation.”

Khedkar came to the limelight after reports emerged about her alleged demands for a separate office, an official car, and the unauthorised use of a beacon on her private car.

Earlier this month, Suhas Diwase, District Collector, Pune, sent a report about the “objectionable behaviour” of Khedkar and her father to the Maharashtra government.

An FIR was registered against her parents for allegedly threatening farmers at Mulshi in Pune district. The police said that Khedkar’s parents were not found at the house and attempts were going to contact them for investigation in the case.

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