Anticipatory Bail Rejected: Former IAS Trainee Khedkar to Face Interrogation
Anticipatory Bail Rejected: Former IAS Trainee Khedkar to Face Interrogation
The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, clearing the way for her arrest in a case of alleged cheating and misuse of OBC and disability quota benefits during the civil services examination. The court also vacated the interim protection previously granted to her.
Justice C.D. Singh, while delivering the judgment, described the case as “a classic example of fraud” that impacts not just a constitutional body but society at large. “Necessary interrogation is warranted to uncover all aspects of the fraud committed against the nation,” he remarked.
In his order, Justice Singh stated, “This court deems it appropriate to dismiss the application for anticipatory bail as a strong prima facie case is established against the petitioner. The alleged acts are part of a larger conspiracy that requires thorough investigation, which cannot proceed effectively if the petitioner is not apprehended.”
The court cited the Supreme Court ruling in CBI vs Anil Sharma (1997), which emphasized the need for custodial interrogation in certain cases. “Success in interrogation is significantly diminished when a person is granted pre-arrest bail,” Justice Singh observed. He added that Khedkar’s alleged actions were part of a broader conspiracy to manipulate the system, necessitating her custody to prevent interference with evidence or witnesses.
Khedkar, who joined the Pune Collectorate as a probationer in June 2023, was accused of using fraudulent means to avail reservation benefits under the OBC and disability categories. Following an inquiry, the UPSC canceled her candidature on July 31, 2023, and permanently barred her from appearing in future examinations, citing violations of the Civil Services Examination-2022 Rules.
The High Court underscored the gravity of the case, noting, “Millions of aspirants dedicate years to prepare for this examination. The petitioner’s fraudulent tactics not only demoralize deserving candidates but also undermine the credibility of the examination system, posing a threat to the nation’s backbone.”
With the interim protection lifted, investigative agencies are now free to arrest and interrogate Khedkar to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.
