Washim, Jul 16 (ANI): IAS trainee Puja Khedkar is talking to the media about the police investigation at her residence, Washim on Tuesday. (ANI Image) | Photo Credit: ANI
The Delhi High Court on Thursday (September 26, 2024) extended till October 4 the interim protection from arrest granted to former IAS inspector Puja Khedkar in a criminal case against him for allegedly cheating and misusing OBC and disability quota benefits in the public service examination. .
Judge Chandra Dhari Singh adjourned the hearing of his pending bail application after a request made by his lawyer.
Also read: Puja Khedkar dismissed from Indian Administrative Service
The counsel for the Delhi Police urged the court to grant an interim adjournment, saying that “a massive conspiracy has been exposed”, involving forgery and creation of documents.
“At the request of the petitioner’s counsel, write the list for October 4. Interim order to proceed,” said Judge Singh.
Ms. Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022 to get benefits of reservation.
He denied all the allegations.
The lawyer of Ms. Khedkar on Thursday (September 26, 2024) sought more time in court to file a reply to the UPSC’s allegations that he lied by making a false statement in connection with his pending bail application.
He said his “dismissal” was after he complained about sexual harassment by a police officer, and he also objected to the media covering the case.
There should be no press conferences for any party, said the lawyer.
While a Delhi Police lawyer said the investigating agency “never came under media pressure”, senior counsel for UPSC said Ms Khekdar “became a celebrity because of her actions”.
Both the UPSC and the Delhi Police have sought cancellation of his pre-arrest bail plea.
The Supreme Court had granted Ms. Khedkar interim protection from arrest while issuing a notice on her pending bail application on August 12, and the same has been extended from time to time.
The Delhi Police said that any relief to Ms. Khedkar will interfere with its investigation of “deep conspiracy” and that this case has wide implications for public trust and the integrity of public services.
The UPSC had said that Khedkar had defrauded the Commission and the public, and his interrogation was necessary to establish the “magnitude of the fraud” which could not have been perpetrated without the help of third parties.
The UPSC initiated a series of actions against Khedkar in July, including filing a criminal case against him for obtaining attempts at public services examinations by falsely identifying himself.
The Delhi Police registered an FIR under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
Published – September 26, 2024 12:31 pm IST