Saturday, February 8, 2025

Supreme Court stays arrest of controversial ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar in UPSC cheating case

On Wednesday, January 15, Supreme Court issued a stay on the arrest of controversial ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar. The stay was issued to the accused in the case of fraud while appearing for the UPSC civil service examination in 2022. The apex Court also issued a notice to the Delhi Police and the UPSC on Puja Khedkar’s plea seeking anticipatory bail.

Puja Khedkar, a 2023 batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre landed into controversy when allegations of abusing her authority surfaced against her. At the time, it was reported that she demanded a separate office, a car, and a house for herself while being just a trainee.

Later, allegations surfaced against her of committing fraud while appearing for the UPSC examination by misrepresenting information and claiming reservation benefits even though she was not eligible.

Notably, Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed Khedkar’s plea for anticipatory bail stating the existence of a strong prima facie case and said an investigation was necessary to unearth the larger conspiracy to manipulate the recruitment system.