The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has pledged cooperation with the Crime Branch’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating alleged recruitment irregularities. Documents requested by the SIT will be provided by the PSC as per legal requirements. The SIT, formed by the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, is methodically reviewing complaints and recruitment records before considering legal actions.
The SIT’s approach involves initial verification of complaints, recording statements, and questioning officials involved in selection processes. Instead of immediately filing criminal cases, the team is diligently examining allegations in major recruitment processes like the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) and other key appointments. The SIT, now comprising eight members led by IG Ajitha Begum under ADGP H. Venkatesh’s oversight, is expected to submit a preliminary report to the State police chief by July 25.
The investigation has highlighted the PSC’s internal vigilance mechanism, overseen by a Superintendent of Police, amid concerns about its effectiveness in detecting and preventing irregularities. Notably, the Kerala PSC, with 16 members including the chairman appointed during the previous government, currently has five vacant positions awaiting appointments by the current administration. Vacancies in the PSC Board have historically sparked political interests in nominating candidates, reflecting the power dynamics within the state.
