Delhi : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opposed Puja Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, arguing that her custodial interrogation is crucial to reveal those who helped her commit fraud to gain extra civil services exam attempts. The UPSC’s affidavit highlights the gravity of the unprecedented fraud and the need to uncover its full extent.
Khedkar, 24, allegedly faked her identity to gain additional attempts at the civil services exams beyond her allowed quota. After her attempts were exhausted, she reportedly changed her name to continue appearing for the exams. The UPSC debarred her from future examinations and cancelled her provisional candidature on July 31. The Delhi high court granted her interim protection from arrest until August 21.
In its 16-page affidavit, the UPSC detailed how Khedkar used sophisticated methods to cheat, including falsifying documents and misrepresenting her identity. The commission asserts that her actions involved a high level of planning and deceit, affecting both the commission and public trust in its credibility.
The UPSC argues that custodial interrogation is necessary to uncover the conspiracy and identify other individuals involved. The affidavit stresses that Khedkar’s fraudulent activities required the assistance of others and that her bail could hinder the investigation and embolden further misconduct.
The Delhi court previously denied Khedkar’s bail, noting that her custodial interrogation was essential to uncover the full conspiracy. The court observed that her actions not only defrauded the UPSC but also impacted eligible candidates with disabilities. The court also highlighted the need for the UPSC to enhance its procedures to prevent such fraud in the future.
The high court is set to review the necessity of Khedkar’s custody and the extent of her involvement in the fraud. Justice Subramonium Prasad questioned the need for custodial interrogation, suggesting that the crime might have been committed alone, but the prosecution argues that uncovering the broader conspiracy requires Khedkar’s cooperation.
The UPSC’s affidavit also suggests that Khedkar might have tampered with or unfairly obtained medical reports to support her disability claims, adding complexity to the investigation. The commission maintains that granting bail at this stage could obstruct the ongoing investigation and encourage further attempts to abuse the legal system.