Crime Branch files FIR against Kerala Public Service Commission Chairman and members

There has been a major turn in the examination fraud case involving the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC). The Crime Branch has filed an FIR against the Chairman, members, and officials of the PSC for alleged irregularities in the examination for the recruitment of Fisheries Extension Officers. According to a report by The Hindu, the case was registered based on a complaint filed by a resident of Nemom, with proceedings initiated under Sections 7 and 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, among other sections.

A notable aspect of this case is that in previous examination fraud cases, the accused were collectively identified as "PSC members," but in the new FIR, the accused have been divided into three separate categories: PSC Chairman, members, and officials. These irregularities are linked to the Fisheries Extension Officer examination conducted at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos). According to sources, the PSC Chairman, members, and some officials manipulated the selection process to improperly award high ranks to their close candidates. Consequently, eligible candidates were deprived of employment opportunities, and it is further alleged that the accused illegally obtained financial gains through this process.

Additionally, the Crime Branch has filed a separate FIR regarding irregularities in the recruitment of Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors. This complaint was filed by a resident of Parumbavoor. It is alleged in this case that changes were made to the examination notification by adding two additional courses to the educational qualifications. Due to this change, candidates who did not meet the required physical fitness standards were also able to apply. Furthermore, there is a serious allegation that 45 questions of the question paper were copied verbatim from two different websites. As a result of all these irregularities, ineligible candidates were appointed and allegedly received undue benefits.

The current PSC Chairman, M.R. Baiju, has not been directly named in either of these FIRs. However, according to sources, the Crime Branch is preparing to include him as an accused in this investigation. Prior to this action, the PSC Secretary and three members of the Commission were interrogated, who are reported to have pointed fingers at the Chairman in their statements.