As controversy surrounding trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar makes the rounds over her allegedly faking disability and OBC certificates to secure a position in the UPSC, another former IAS officer, Abhishek Singh, has come under the spotlight over his disability claim.
From the 2011 batch, Singh is now under scrutiny after his dance and gym videos went viral on social media. He claimed to have a locomotor disability (LD) to secure his position under the disability category. He had resigned from his position in 2023 to pursue a career as an actor.
Read Also: Now, Video Of IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar’s Mom Threatening Farmers With Pistol Goes Viral
Several netizens accused Singh of faking disability and falsely securing a UPSC position. One X user alleged that Singh was suspended for being absent from work for over 82 days. “Your name is Abhishek Singh. You got recruited in UPSC by submitting a certificate of locomotor disability. You were an IAS officer of the UP cadre. You were given the responsibility of General Observer by the Election Commission but were removed for showing off by uploading your photos on Instagram. You were famous for uploading reels and photos while working. You acted in Delhi Crime 2. You were suspended for being absent from work for 82 days. You then tried to contest elections and, after resigning, started PR and election preparations, but political parties did not support you. Now you are giving lectures on how to become an IAS officer and speaking on reservation issues.”
आपका नाम अभिषेक सिंह है , आप UPSC में लोकोमोटिव डिसऑर्डर का सर्टिफिकेट लगाकर भर्ती हुए, आप UP कैडर के IAS अधिकारी थे , इलेक्शन कमीशन द्वारा आपको जनरल ऑब्जर्वर की जिम्मेदारी मिली लेकिन साहब आप फोटोज इंस्टाग्राम में डालकर शोबाज़ी के चक्कर में वहां से भगाए गए , नौकरी करते हुए पेल के… pic.twitter.com/t2IZtyz8Dx
— खुरपेंच (@khurpenchh) July 12, 2024
Sharing a music video featuring Singh, another user questioned his disability status. “This is Abhishek Singh got an AIR 94 and claimed to have a Person with disability -3 (Locomotor disability.) From which angle does this guy look disabled? How is DoPT not verifying these claims, allowing anyone to deceive with a fake certificate? If this is true, this is the biggest downfall for UPSC!” wrote the user.
This is Abhishek Singh got an AIR 94 and claimed to have a Person with disability-3 (Locomotor disability.)
From which angle does this guy look disabled? How is DoPT not verifying these claims, allowing anyone to deceive with a fake certificate? If this is true, this is the… pic.twitter.com/cGb7LbT5dj
— Sakshi (@333maheshwariii) July 12, 2024
Responding to the allegations, Singh stated that he was being targeted for supporting reservations and claimed that he had achieved everything through hard work and strength. In a lengthy post on X, Singh said, “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.”
“Let me also tell you that no domicile certificate is required in UPSC. Anyone who has appeared for UPSC will know this. So, stop this fake propaganda. Whoever has any question, I am ready to answer it,” Singh said.
“I have done social work through my initiatives like United by Blood and the No-Shame Movement without government help. I believe that reservation in government jobs should be according to the population, and I will work towards that. If you think you have talent, stop trying for government jobs and excel in business, sports, or acting. There is no reservation there,” he added.
वैसे तो मुझे किसी आलोचना से कोई फ़र्क़ नहीं पड़ता, पर ये मेरे जीवन काल में पहली बार है जब मैं अपने आलोचकों को जवाब दे रहा हूँ। और वो इसलिए क्योंकि मेरे हज़ारो समर्थक मुझसे कह रहे हैं कि आप जवाब दें नहीं तो हमारा मनोबल टूट जाएगा।अतः ये मेरा नैतिक कर्तव्य है कि मैं सच्चाई सामने… pic.twitter.com/e1rwB3H02R
— Abhishek Singh (@Abhishek_asitis) July 13, 2024
Read Also: Centre Sets Up Panel To Probe Disability Claims Made By Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar
The allegations against Singh come following serious doubts raised on Puja Khedkar who is currently facing allegations of using a red-blue beacon, VIP number plates and a “Government of Maharashtra” sticker on her personal Audi sedan. Additionally, Khedkar claimed to be visually and mentally impaired to seek concession, but repeatedly refused mandatory medical tests to corroborate her claims.
A one-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter against Khedkar. Reportedly, if found guilty, she may be dismissed and may also face criminal action.