UPSC opposes ex-IAS probationer Puja Khedkar’s pre-arrest bail plea, says it will ‘embolden’ others

The UPSC’s affidavit stated that “the gravity of fraud committed is unprecedented,” affecting not only a constitutional body but also the public at large and people who could not be appointed despite being eligible and qualified.

The affidavit said that Khedkar’s false statements regarding her number of attempts and her suppression of other information could not have been possible “without the assistance and helping hand of several other individuals, all of which requires to be unearthed by custodial interrogation”.

The affidavit detailed Khedkar’s alleged fraudulent actions, including attempts made beyond the permissible limits, name changes, and applying under various reserved categories (OBC and people with disabilities). The UPSC thus submitted that granting anticipatory bail to Khedkar could influence the ongoing investigation.

The affidavit further stated, “The fact that the accused is in a position to collude with others even before her selection as a Civil Service officer speaks volumes about her influence. It is not far-fetched to suggest that even the medical reports claiming disability benefits may have been tampered with or obtained through unfair means. There is a prima facie indication of a complex scheme devised by Khedkar to further her intentions in collusion with others. The calculated manner in which the offences have been committed over time indicates that the investigation cannot rely solely on documents.”