Khedkar’s legal troubles began in July last year when the UPSC cancelled her candidature and barred her from future exams, accusing her of perpetrating fraud against the commission and the public. The charges against her include sections under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Information Technology (IT) Act, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.In her appeal, Khedkar clarified her position, stating that she belongs to the Vanjari community, which is categorised as OBC, and has an OBC caste certificate issued by the Sub-Divisional Officer, Pathravi, Ahmednagar district.From 2012 to 2017, she attempted the Civil Services Examination (CSE) five times as an OBC candidate. After the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, came into effect, she became eligible to appear as a PwBD candidate under categories (a) and (d) of Section 34(1) of the Act and appeared in the CSE under this category from 2018 onwards.The former trainee officer also alleged harassment during her posting in Pune. She claimed that Suhas Divase, the District Collector of Pune, abused his position and authority to sexually harass her during her probationary period.“That the Petitioner complained against the District Collector to the Chief Secretary. Meanwhile, Divase submitted a report to the Additional Chief Secretary regarding the Petitioner’s seating arrangements, use of a private vehicle, and recommended her transfer from Pune. This report was also circulated widely on social media, harming the goodwill of the Petitioner,” she stated in her appeal.The appeal highlighted that Khedkar believes the accusations against her are unjust and driven by ulterior motives, seeking relief from the apex court.
Source link
