Pune: Delhi's Patiala House Court has dismissed anticipatory bail plea of Puja Khedkar. Her arrest is now imminent, although she has the legal option of approaching the Supreme Court appealing against the High Court order.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had cancelled Puja Khedkar’s provisional candidature for the Civil Services Examination-2022 (CSE-2022) on July 31. Khedkar is also permanently debarred from all future UPSC exams and selections.
In the investigation conducted by UPSC, it was revealed that Puja Khedkar had "fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the Examination Rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father's & mother's name, her photograph/ signature, her email ID, mobile number and address."
Former Indian Administrative Services officer Avinash Dharmadhikari had also welcomed the decision by UPSC to cancel candidacy of Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar. "This move reinforces UPSC’s credibility," Avinash Dharmadhikari had said.
Puja Khedkar had used a fraudulent address to obtain a disability certificate from Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital. The address she provided belongs to a defunct industrial company in Talawade, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and not a residential area.
Khedkar applied for the certificate by presenting a fake ration card and false address proof.
In August 2022, YCM Hospital issued a certificate declaring Khedkar 7 per cent disabled, signed by Dean Dr. Rajendra Wable and Assistant Health Medical Officer Dr. Abhaychandra Dadewar.
Khedkar’s attempts to get the certificate from Aundh General Hospital were rejected, but YCM Hospital granted her an examination slot.
Puja Khedkar has also leveled serious allegations against Pune District Collector Suhas Divase, accusing him of sexual harassment. Divase has rejected all these allegations terming them as 'baseless.'