Crime Branch indicts Kerala PSC chairperson and members for corruption
The Special Investigation Team alleges the commission manipulated a rank list to favour candidates with allegiance to the CPI(M).
The Crime Branch Special Investigation Team has registered an FIR against Kerala State Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairperson M.R. Baiju and fellow members. The FIR, registered on October 28, alleges criminal breach of trust and the misuse of authority to tilt the playing field for candidates owing allegiance to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)].
The Crime Branch alleges the commission manipulated the rank list for the post of Fisheries Extension Officer under the Keralam Fisheries Department. Investigators claim the chairperson and members stacked the deck in favour of Left-leaning candidates from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS).
The commission conducted the tests in November 2022 and published a rank list that expires in November 2025. The Crime Branch accused the members of undermining public confidence and depriving qualified aspirants of equal opportunity in government employment.
The accused have been booked under Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 7 and 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The probe follows the recent arrest of former Deputy Secretary P. Satheesh and the apprehension of Additional Secretary R.
Hari regarding State Planning Board examination irregularities.
Inspector General of Police Ajeetha Begum led the team that questioned Mr Baiju. Separately, investigators are looking into allegations regarding the Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector tests, including whether questions were taken from private tutorial materials.