NewDelhi: The troubles for Pooja Khedkar, a dismissed trainee IAS officer, appear to be mounting as the Delhi Police has raised suspicions about the authenticity of a disability certificate she submitted. The police have informed the High Court that one of the disability documents provided by Khedkar may be forged and fabricated.
This development came to light on Wednesday during a hearing on Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea. Khedkar has been accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits under the OBC and disability quotas for the Civil Services Examination. It was revealed that she submitted two separate disability certificates for the 2022 and 2023 examinations, one of which is now under scrutiny.
Investigation into Disability Certificates
The investigation has pointed to discrepancies in the disability certificate purportedly issued by a medical authority in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. According to an inquiry report, the civil surgeon’s records show that the certificate, which claims Khedkar has a locomotor disability, hearing impairment, and vision impairment, was not issued by the authority. The report suggests that this document is “likely to be forged and fabricated.”
Locomotor disability refers to a condition where a person’s legs are not functioning properly. The court is set to hear the case next on 5th September.
Allegations of Fraudulent Reservation Claims
Khedkar’s troubles began when the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled her candidature on 31st July, barring her from taking future examinations on the grounds of allegedly providing false information to claim reservation benefits. Despite these allegations, Khedkar has denied any wrongdoing.
On 29th August, the Delhi High Court extended interim protection from arrest to Khedkar until 5th September. Meanwhile, both the UPSC and Delhi Police have urged the court to dismiss her anticipatory bail plea.
Legal Proceedings and Multiple Charges
The UPSC has initiated multiple actions against Khedkar, including registering criminal cases for allegedly using false identities to appear in the civil services examinations. The Delhi Police, for its part, has lodged an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
Previously, on 1st August, a sessions court had denied anticipatory bail to Khedkar, citing the severity of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation.
As the case unfolds, Khedkar faces an uphill battle to clear her name amidst a growing list of allegations and legal challenges. The next hearing on her bail plea is scheduled for 5th September, where the court will decide on the way forward.
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