Ex-IAS Probationer Seeks Bail Amidst Quota Fraud Allegations

Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar has approached the Delhi High Court for anticipatory bail after being accused of cheating and securing OBC and disability quota benefits under false pretenses in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022. Her candidature was canceled by UPSC, and a sessions court previously denied her bail.

Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, facing accusations of securing OBC and disability quota benefits under false pretenses, has petitioned the Delhi High Court for anticipatory bail.

Her plea is slated for hearing by Justice Subramonium Prasad on Friday. Allegations against Khedkar involve misrepresentation in her UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022 application, leading to her candidature cancellation by UPSC on July 31. The sessions court also denied her bail on August 1, citing serious charges necessitating thorough investigation.

Khedkar, who hasn't been arrested yet, argues she faces an urgent threat of arrest. The sessions court emphasized the need for custodial interrogation to uncover the full conspiracy and potentially other involved parties, while directing Delhi Police to fairly investigate. Countering her claims of false implication and media witch-hunt, the court pointed to sufficient incriminating material against her.