Ex-IAS officer Abhishek Singh, a 2011 batch IAS officer who left his position last year to pursue acting, is facing criticism after his dance and gym videos went viral on social media.
New Delhi: Following claims that trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar allegedly submitted fake disability certificates to secure her position, scrutiny has now turned towards another former bureaucrat, Ex-IAS officer Abhishek Singh, and his selection under the disability criteria.
Ex-IAS officer Abhishek Singh, a 2011 batch IAS officer who resigned last year to pursue a career in acting, is facing criticism after his dance and gym videos went viral on social media. The videos have raised questions about his claimed locomotor disability, which he used to avail concessions during the UPSC selection process.
Social media users were quick to comment on the videos shared by Singh, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the bureaucratic selection process. Critics argue that the apparent physical capabilities displayed in the videos are inconsistent with his claimed disability status.
In response to the allegations, Singh took to social media to defend himself, stating that he is being unfairly targeted for his support of reservations in government jobs. “Although I am not affected by any criticism, this is the first time I am answering my critics because my supporters asked me to. Since I started supporting reservations, anti-reservationists have targeted me. They question my caste and my job. Let me tell you, I have achieved everything through hard work and courage, not through reservation,” he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Ex-IAS officer Abhishek Singh emphasized his contributions to social work through initiatives like United by Blood and the No-Shame Movement, which he claims were undertaken without government assistance. He also reiterated his belief in reservation based on population demographics and encouraged those with talent to excel in fields without reservation benefits, such as business, sports, or acting.
“I move on the strength of my talent, confidence, and courage, not in anyone’s favour,” Singh declared, defending his career choices and achievements.
The controversy surrounding Singh comes on the heels of a more severe scandal involving Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer. Khedkar is accused of submitting false disability certificates, claiming to be visually and mentally impaired, to the UPSC. She refused to undergo mandatory medical tests to confirm her disabilities, further fueling suspicions.
Khedkar had previously attracted attention for using a siren on her private Audi and making demands for a separate house and car—privileges not typically granted to junior officers. However, the current allegations pose a much graver threat to her career.
The Centre has formed a one-member committee to investigate the allegations against Khedkar. Sources indicate that if found guilty, Khedkar could face dismissal and potential criminal charges for hiding facts and misrepresentation.
The cases of both Abhishek Singh and Puja Khedkar have brought to light the need for rigorous verification processes and transparency in the selection and appointment of government officials. As the investigations proceed, they will likely prompt a reevaluation of how disability claims are assessed and validated within the bureaucratic system.
- Abhishek Singh is a former IAS officer from the 2011 batch who resigned last year to pursue a career in acting.
- Puja Khedkar is a 2023-batch IAS officer currently under scrutiny for allegedly submitting fake disability certificates to secure her position.
Ex-IAS officer Abhishek Singh is facing criticism after videos of him dancing and working out at the gym went viral, raising questions about his claimed locomotor disability, which he used to gain concessions during the UPSC selection process.