The Delhi Police Today (Sept 4) told the high court that former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar submitted two disability certificates to show multiple disabilities and its probe has revealed that one of the documents may be “forged” and “fabricated”.
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New Delhi: The Delhi Police today informed the Delhi High Court that former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar submitted two disability certificates indicating multiple disabilities, and their investigation suggests that one of the documents may be “forged” and “fabricated.”
This revelation came in response to Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea. She has been accused of cheating by wrongfully availing benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quota during her attempts at the UPSC Civil Services Examinations.
Khedkar is alleged to have submitted two separate disability certificates for the civil services examinations in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
However, upon verification, the “Issuing Medical Authority, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra” stated that one of the certificates—purporting to show a combination of locomotor disability, hearing impairment, and low vision—was not issued in line with the “Civil Surgeon Office Records.”
The authority added that-
“the possibility of the disability certificate being forged and fabricated is more likely,”
-according to the status report submitted to the court.
The matter is scheduled for a hearing on September 5.
Allegations and Investigation
The allegations against Khedkar revolve around her alleged misrepresentation of information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022, aimed at obtaining reservation benefits under the OBC and disability quotas. Following these accusations, on July 31, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled her candidature and debarred her from taking future exams.
Khedkar, however, has denied all allegations against her.
On August 29, the court extended the interim protection from arrest granted to Khedkar until September 5, but both the UPSC and the Delhi Police have sought the dismissal of her plea for anticipatory bail.
The UPSC has made a strong case, stating that Khedkar “committed a fraud against the commission and the public,” and that custodial interrogation was necessary to fully uncover the “magnitude of the fraud,” which, according to them, could not have been executed without the involvement of other individuals.
Wider Implications of the Case
The Delhi Police has echoed these concerns, arguing that granting Khedkar any relief at this stage would obstruct their investigation into the “deep-rooted conspiracy.” They also highlighted the broader ramifications of the case, stating that it has serious implications for public trust and the integrity of the civil services examination system.
The UPSC initiated a series of actions against Khedkar in July, including filing a criminal case, alleging that she had used fraudulent methods, including faking her identity, to gain additional attempts at the civil services examination.
The Delhi Police has registered an FIR under various provisions, including those of the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act, and the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.
On August 1, a sessions court denied Khedkar’s request for anticipatory bail, noting that the allegations against her were serious and “require a thorough investigation.” The police and UPSC continue to push for further legal action, as the case develops.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Puja Khedkar
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