Former IAS officer Abhishek Singh's dance, gym video goes viral; Faces backlash over disability claim

New Delhi: Amid ongoing controversy around IAS probationary Puja Khedkar, whose Other Backward Community (OBC) status came under scrutiny after allegations of misuse of power, a similar issue has surfaced involving former IAS officer Abhishek Singh from the 2011 batch. Abhishek Singh had secured his position under the disabled category, is now under scrutiny after his dance and gym videos surfaced on social media. 

Allegations on Abhishek Singh 

Abhishek Singh was an IAS officer from 2011 batch who resigned last year to become an actor. He was removed from the responsiblity of General Observer by the Election Commission but were removed for showing off by uploading photos on Instagram. He was also suspended for being absent from work for 82 days.  

Misused PwD quota 

Abhishek Singh misused PwD quota by claiming that he has locomotor disability (disability of bones, joints, or muscles due to which movement of the limbs becomes difficult). 

Netizens react 

Here's how users reacted to allegations against Abhishek Kumar: Many expressed shock, citing his previous integrity. Some demanded transparency from authorities, while others reserved judgment pending investigation. A few voiced disappointment, highlighting the need for accountability in leadership. Overall, the responses varied, reflecting a mix of concern and support.

One user wrote, " 2010 batch IAS Abhishek Singh misused PwD quota by claiming that he has Locomotor Disability (disability of bones, joints or muscles due to which movement of the limbs becomes difficult)." 

2010 batch IAS Abhishek Singh misused PwD quota by claiming that he has Locomotor Disability (disability of bones, joints or muscles due to which movement of the limbs becomes difficult).

But, it can be clearly seen that he’s not suffering from any such disability. pic.twitter.com/6OfKorsXSs

— Aditya Goswami (@AdityaGoswami_) July 12, 2024

Another user wrote, "This is Abhishek Singh got an AIR 94 and claimed to have a Person with disability-3 (Locomotor disability." 

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

Abhishek clarification on the viral posts 

Former IAS officer Abhishek Singh posted a response on the allegations regarding his disability. 

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

Nikita Khandelwal playing on gaming console 

In 2014, Nitika Khandelwal achieved an impeccable milestone by clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an All India Rank (AIR) of 857 and secured a coveted position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). However, recent allegations have brought her selection under scrutiny.

Concerns have surfaced regarding the authenticity of Nitika Khandelwal's eligibility under the visually impaired category. Claims suggest that she utilized a disability certificate to secure her IAS position. A post surfaced on microblogging platform X where a user Factfusion78 posted a video, where the IAS officer can be seen playing on a gaming console. 

Puja Khedkar controversy 

The controversy surrounding probationary Indian Adminstrative Service (IAS) officer Pooja Khedkar, under scrutiny  for allegedly misusing her official position and submitting fake disability and caste certificiates to clear the civil services exam.