The Delhi High Court has denied anticipatory bail to former IAS trainee Ms. Puja Khedkar, who is accused of forging documents, including an OBC certificate, and misrepresenting physical and mental disabilities to clear the UPSC exam.
The court observed that ex-IAS Khedkar’s actions were “part of a larger conspiracy” to deceive authorities. “Her conduct, prima facie, demonstrates a motive to defraud not just the UPSC but the nation at large,” the court stated, labelling the case a “classic example of fraud.”
The order, passed by Justice Chandra Dhari Singh, also noted a “high possibility” of collusion between Ms. Khedkar’s family members and unknown influential individuals. This raises the likelihood of expanding the investigation to include government officials and departments.
Ms. Khedkar’s arguments, including claims of a physical disability supported by a hospital certificate diagnosing an ACL tear, were rejected. She also contended that only her middle name had been altered and insisted that her documents were verified by the UPSC.
The Delhi Police and the UPSC opposed her bail plea, citing the need for her custody to uncover the involvement of others in the alleged conspiracy. The police argued that granting bail could hinder the investigation.
In early September, the union government dismissed Ms. Khedkar from service, a month after the UPSC cancelled her selection. She has denied all charges, claiming she is being targeted for filing a sexual harassment complaint against a senior.
The controversy began in June when Pune Collector Mr. Suhas Diwase (2009-batch IAS officer) flagged Khedkar’s demands for perks beyond her entitlement during probation. Investigations revealed that her father, a former Maharashtra government officer, owned property worth Rs. 40 crore, disqualifying her from the OBC non-creamy layer category.
Additionally, she failed to undergo a mandatory health check-up to confirm her disability claims.
