The Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to investigate suspected irregularities in Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitment has commenced its work with a cautious and methodical approach. The decision to form the SIT was made during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The team swiftly received numerous complaints on its first day, alleging irregularities in various high-profile recruitment processes. These include the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS), Planning Board Chief appointment, DySP Special Recruitment examination, Economics and Statistics Research Officer examination, and Assistant Professor in Hotel Management recruitment.
The SIT is following a structured process to balance the statutory powers of the investigating agency with the constitutional status of the PSC. Instead of immediately pursuing legal action, the team will initially verify complaints, gather statements from complainants, review recruitment records, and interview officials involved in the selection procedures before deciding on the next steps. The State Government has expanded the SIT to eight members, with IG Ajitha Begum leading the team under the supervision of ADGP H. Venkatesh. The investigative team includes an SP, a DySP, an Inspector, and other officers.
The probe will also investigate complaints suggesting irregularities in interviews and recruitment processes for similar posts in previous years. A preliminary report is anticipated to be submitted to the Director General of Police by July 25, following which a decision will be made on whether to register criminal cases and launch a comprehensive investigation. The investigation has highlighted the security measures within the PSC. The Commission has its internal investigation wing managed by a Superintendent of Police and a team of police personnel dedicated to ensuring the integrity of examinations and recruitment processes.
Despite these internal mechanisms, the emergence of allegations has raised concerns in official circles regarding the adequacy of existing internal checks and whether any warning signs were identified and addressed in a timely manner. Notably, the Kerala PSC, with 16 members including the chairman appointed during the previous government, currently has five vacancies awaiting fresh appointments by the V.D. Satheesan-led administration.
