Kerala PSC exam irregularities: SIT to record complainants’ statement, decide on criminal cases after examining complaints

The special investigation team (SIT) constituted by the State government to probe the alleged irregularities in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations is set to intensify its investigation by recording detailed statements from complainants.

The Crime Branch-led probe is expected to determine which allegations warrant criminal cases, with the team having received over 10 complaints thus far. The decisions on registering First Information Reports (FIR) will follow after an initial assessment of the evidence, official sources said.

The investigation comes in the wake of mounting allegations of examination malpractice, procedural violations, and irregularities that is suspected to have affected multiple PSC examinations.

Emerging complaints by candidates who alleged discrepancies in examinations, evaluation procedures, and rank lists prompted the government to institute a comprehensive probe through the SIT headed by S. Ajeetha Begum, Inspector General of Police, Economic Offences Wing.

According to officials, the SIT has already begun to collect preliminary information from several complainants. The candidates have reportedly submitted documents and other materials that they claim substantiate the allegations of large-scale irregularities.

Detailed scrutiny

The SIT’s immediate focus will be on identifying complaints that disclose prima facie evidence of offences. Officials have indicated that the process will be registered only after detailed scrutiny of complaints.

As part of the investigation, the Crime Branch is also expected to seek official records relating to the examinations from the PSC. The examinations that are likey to come under detailed scrutiny are the ones conducted to the State Planning Board. The investigators will collect procedural records, examination-related documents, and other relevant files.

The PSC will also be formally directed to preserve all examination-related records and refrain from destroying any documents that may be relevant to the investigation. The SIT could also record the statements of PSC officials who are associated with the conduct of the examinations.

The Crime Branch aims to submit a preliminary investigation report to the State Police Chief within the end of the month. The Home department will subsequently decide on the future course of action in the cases.