The case against Khedkar involves allegations of submitting two disability certificates one of which is suspected to be forged to avail benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas in her UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 application. She is accused of cheating to gain selection to the service, charges she denies.
NEW DELHI: Today (26th Sept): The Delhi High Court extended interim protection from arrest for former IAS officer Pooja Khedkar until October 4, 2024, with the next hearing scheduled for that date.
The extension came after counsel requested more time for detailed submissions. During the proceedings, the Delhi Police informed the court that the investigation had uncovered a larger conspiracy connected to the case.
Initially, the high court had directed the Delhi Police not to arrest Khedkar until August 21, with subsequent extensions. Khedkar was discharged from the Indian Administrative Service on September 7.
The case against Khedkar involves allegations of submitting two disability certificates one of which is suspected to be forged to avail benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas in her UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 application. She is accused of cheating to gain selection to the service, charges she denies.
The UPSC accused Khedkar of committing fraud and believes custodial interrogation is needed to uncover the extent of the alleged fraud, which may have involved other individuals.
In response to her anticipatory bail plea, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against her under the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act, and Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.
The Delhi Police informed the high court that former IAS probationer Pooja Khedkar submitted two disability certificates to demonstrate multiple disabilities. Their investigation has indicated that one of these documents may be “forged” and “fabricated.”
This statement was made in response to Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, as she faces accusations of cheating and improperly obtaining benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas.
As a result of the Khedkar case, the UPSC has revised its rulebook after receiving over 30 complaints regarding candidates misrepresenting their credentials. These complaints have been forwarded to the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), while the UPSC continues to face legal battles with Khedkar over the alleged misuse of power and forgery.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
