Delhi Court Denies Bail to Former IAS Probationer for Alleged Quota Fraud

A Delhi court has denied bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, accused of cheating and misusing OBC and disability quota benefits. The judge emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the entire conspiracy. The UPSC has canceled her candidature and barred her from future exams.

A Delhi court Thursday denied anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who faces accusations of cheating and misappropriating OBC and disability quota benefits. The court identified these allegations as grave and called for an extensive investigation.

'Custodial interrogation of the accused is needed to unravel the entire conspiracy and ascertain the participation of other parties involved,' stated Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala.

Although Khedkar remains unarrested, she sought court intervention to avoid potential detention. Judge Jangala, labeling the case as 'the tip of the iceberg,' advised the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to review recent recommendations and instructed Delhi Police to broaden their investigative scope.

The judge urged the UPSC to identify candidates who have unlawfully exceeded attempts or have gained OBC (non-creamy layer) and disability quota advantages illegitimately. This measure includes verifying if any internal UPSC member aided Khedkar.

Calling for an impartial probe, the judge emphasized the UPSC's role in maintaining the institution's credibility and public trust by reinforcing its standard operating procedures to prevent future occurrences.

'The accused has unlawfully penetrated the UPSC mechanism not just once but multiple times through deceitful means. Without thorough scrutiny, societal trust will erode,' remarked the judge.

Despite Khedkar's claim of being a target of media bias and wrongful implication, the judge refuted, citing sufficient incriminating evidence. He continued stressing the need for custodial interrogation to expose the conspiracy's full extent and additional conspirators.

The court recognized Khedkar's act of misrepresentation through fabricated documents as part of a deliberate and long-term conspiracy, potentially involving internal or external assistance.

The UPSC has since nullified Khedkar's candidature from the Civil Services Examination 2022 and barred her from future participation.

(With inputs from agencies.)