UPSC Fake Certificate Row: Puja Khedkar Faces Crime Branch, Says Claims Of Fake Certificates ‘False’
Puja Khedkar, the former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) trainee appeared before the Crime Branch on Friday at Delhi's Kamla Market for questioning related to an FIR against her submittibg forged certificates in 2020 UPSC exam. Speaking to news agency ANI, Khedkar said that she came for the probe to cooperate in the investigation and claimed that all the allegations against her are false.
"As per the Supreme Court orders, I have come here to cooperate in the investigation. I said it since day one that in whatever way possible, I am ready to cooperate. All the allegations against me that I have submitted fake certificates are false. I have been and I will be in India - whatever people are saying that I have fled to another country is wrong" Khedekar said as quoted by news agency ANI.
The apex court asked the Delhi police to complete the investigation in the case against Khedkar fast. The court also asked the police why it was not completing the investigation when Khedkar herself had said it in an affidavit that she was willing to cooperate.
Puja is accused of fraudulently availing a reservation meant for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities in order to secure a seat by taking the UPSC exam.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court, while dismissing the anticipatory bail plea, had made strong observations against Khedkar, saying that it's a "classic example of fraud, not only with a constitutional body but also with society and the nation as a whole."
The court had emphasised that the interrogation is necessary to uncover the conspiracy involved. It also highlighted that the father and mother held high-ranking positions, suggesting the possibility of collusion with influential individuals.
Puja is facing criminal charges filed by Delhi Police, accusing her of cheating and unlawfully claiming OBC and disability quota benefits in the Civil Services Examination.
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