Former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar appeared before the Crime Branch at Kamla Market on Friday amid serious allegations of using forged documents to clear the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination. The case, which has attracted nationwide attention, centers on claims that she falsely claimed eligibility under the OBC and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories.
Following her appearance, Khedkar spoke to ANI and firmly denied the allegations. “I have come to cooperate with the investigation, as directed by the Supreme Court. I have always maintained my willingness to assist in the probe. The accusations about fake certificates are entirely unfounded. I’m in India—I haven’t fled, as some rumors suggest,” she said.
Delhi Police have filed an FIR against her on charges of cheating and unlawfully availing reservation benefits. Investigators allege she manipulated her credentials to fraudulently gain entry into the IAS.
The Delhi High Court earlier rejected Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, calling the matter a “classic case of fraud—not only against a Constitutional authority, but also against society and the nation.” The court emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and pointed to possible involvement of influential individuals, noting that both of Khedkar’s parents hold senior government posts.
While her legal team submitted a counter-affidavit, procedural delays led the Supreme Court to defer the hearing. The bench also criticized the slow pace of the investigation and directed Delhi Police to speed up the inquiry, considering Khedkar’s expressed readiness to cooperate.
The case has once again ignited public debate around the misuse of reservation policies and loopholes in the UPSC’s vetting processes. Both legal experts and aspirants to civil services are closely monitoring the developments.
