'Willing to Get Disability Examined in AIIMS': Puja Khedkar Tells Delhi High Court

New Delhi: Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar informed the Delhi High Court on Thursday that she is willing to undergo a medical examination at AIIMS. This statement follows allegations by the city police that one of her disability certificates may be "forged" and "fabricated."

Khedkar, who faces accusations of cheating and improperly obtaining benefits from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas, made the submission during her anticipatory bail hearing in the criminal case.

"I am willing to get myself medically examined. First, they say I changed my name. Now they say my disability is questionable. I am willing to go to AIIMS," said Khedkar's senior counsel.

Justice Subramonium Prasad scheduled the next hearing for September 26, noting the police's request for 10 additional days for further investigation. Khedkar's interim protection from arrest, granted by the high court, will remain in place until then.

The Delhi Police counsel argued that Khedkar "concealed facts" to become eligible for the civil services examination.

Khedkar's lawyer countered that the police have not requested her custodial interrogation, as stated in their status report, and that all necessary records are already in the authorities' possession.

The police, however, maintained that her custody was crucial to uncover a broader "conspiracy" and identify other involved parties.

Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information during her application for the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination to claim reservation benefits. On July 31, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) canceled her candidature and banned her from future exams. She has denied all allegations.

Both the UPSC and Delhi Police have opposed her anticipatory bail plea, with the police stating that any relief could hinder their investigation into a "deep-rooted conspiracy" with significant implications for public trust and the integrity of the civil services exam.

The police further alleged that Khedkar submitted two different disability certificates for the 2022 and 2023 civil services examinations. Upon verification, they suggested that the "possibility" of the latter certificate being "forged and fabricated is more likely."

The UPSC had previously claimed that Khedkar committed fraud against both the Commission and the public, asserting that her custodial interrogation is necessary to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud, which they believe involved other individuals.

In July, the UPSC took action against Khedkar, filing a criminal case accusing her of using false identity to obtain civil services exam attempts. The Delhi Police subsequently registered an FIR under the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act, and the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.

On August 1, a sessions court denied Khedkar's anticipatory bail, citing serious allegations that warrant a thorough investigation.