PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh Initiates Investigation into Alleged Fraudulent Disability Certificate Issuance by YCM Doctors in Pooja Khedkar Case

Pune: IAS probationary officer Pooja Khedkar has been accused of fraudulently claiming disability to secure her position. In a series of investigations, it was revealed that she fraudulently took a disability certificate from the government hospitals in Ahmednagar and the YCM hospital in Pimpri Chinchwad. After this discovery, the Pune Municipal Commissioner, Shekhar Singh, has started taking action against all the concerned officials of the YCM Hospital in this regard.

Commissioner Singh has taken swift action, summoning all departmental heads involved in the issuance of these certificates. He has ordered a thorough investigation to determine whether Khedkar genuinely has a significant disability in her left leg. “We need to establish on what basis the disability certificate was issued to Pooja Khedkar. If it turns out to be fraudulent, appropriate actions will be taken against all concerned officials,” Singh stated.

The initial investigation began after the Welfare Commissionerate raised concerns regarding Khedkar’s disability certificate. However, YCM Hospital’s Dean, Dr. Rajendra Wable, defended the issuance of the certificate. “Our internal report confirmed that the certificate was issued following a thorough assessment by our physiotherapy and orthopaedic departments. The medical test conducted was as per rules, and no foul play was found,” Dr. Wable asserted.

Dr. Wable elaborated, “Khedkar was already awarded a 40 percent disability certificate by the Ahmednagar District Hospital. However, the checking at YCM showed she had a 7 percent locomotor disability. Accordingly, we had given her the certificate.”

This discrepancy has cast a shadow over YCM Hospital’s role. In response, Commissioner Singh has called for an inquiry involving all heads of the medical department, including Dr. Rajendra Wable.

Dr. Sanjay Ghogare provided further insight into the matter. “Pooja Khedkar initially obtained two disability certificates from Ahmednagar District Hospital. These were later combined into a single certificate. In 2018, the disability certificate issued by the district hospital’s medical board indicated Khedkar was 40 percent disabled. In 2021, a mental illness certificate mentioned a 20 percent disability. Combining these, an attempt was made to show a 60 percent disability,” Dr. Ghogare explained.