Delhi HC refuses anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar in UPSC cheating case
The Hindu
Delhi High Court denies anticipatory bail to ex-IAS probationer Puja Khedkar in cheating case involving OBC quota fraud.
Delhi High Court on Monday (December 23, 2024) refused to grant anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar in the criminal case lodged against her for alleged cheating and wrongly availing of OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination.
"Anticipatory bail plea is dismissed. Interim protection from arrest is vacated," Justice Chandra Dhari Singh said while ruling on the plea.
Justice Singh said a strong prima facie case was made out against Ms. Khedkar and investigation was required to unearth the conspiracy.
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It was a classic case of fraud committed on a constitutional body as well as society, the judge said.
Ms. Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022, to get reservation benefits.
The counsel for the Delhi Police as well as the complainant, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), opposed the plea for pre-arrest bail.
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