Dr Puja Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea rejected
New Delhi: Problems are likely to compound for controversial former IAS probationary officer Dr Puja Khedkar. She moved an anticipatory bail application in the Patiala Court after the Delhi Police registered an offence against her. The court on Thursday (August 1) rejected her application.
The Delhi Police are likely to arrest her. However, it could not be confirmed whether she would appeal against the Patiala Court’s decision in the higher court.
What is Puja Khedkar accused of?
The Delhi Police booked her for availing the benefit of the non-creamy layer though her father’s income was in crores of rupees. She allegedly also submitted false documents about her disability. The UPSC and the IAS training academy are inquiring into the allegations.
In this backdrop, Khedkar moved the bail application fearing arrest by the Delhi Police.
The Delhi Police, UPSC and Khedkar’s lawyer argued in the court during the hearing. Her lawyer claimed that she was being targeted because she alleged sexual harassment. All her allegations were refuted. The Delhi Police argued that she furnished fake papers. The UPSC demanded her arrest claiming that she not only cheated them but also the entire society.
The court directive
The Patiala Court gave its verdict on Thursday evening. The court rejected her anticipatory bail plea. The court directed the Delhi Police to probe if anyone else in the UPSC helped her. The court also directed the UPSC to find out if anyone else like Khedkar availed concessions of non-creamy layer and disability by submitting fake certificates.
What exactly is the case?
Firstly, Puja Khedkar was accused of misconduct at the Pune District Collectorate. Then it was alleged that she submitted a fake disability certificate to get the IAS post. Similarly, she furnished a non-creamy layer certificate in spite of her father’s income in crores of rupees. She purportedly changed her name while appearing for the examination. The Delhi Police booked her for cheating.
