Kerala PSC examination irregularities: Crime Branch team visits PSC headquarters

The investigation into the alleged irregularities in various examinations conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) entered a crucial phase, with the special investigation team (SIT) led by Crime Branch Inspector General S. Ajeetha Begum visiting the PSC headquarters on Monday (July 13, 2026).

The three-member team reached the PSC headquarters in the State capital after recording the statements of a few complainants. The team is believed to have gathered preliminary information in connection with the suspected malpractices in the examination process.

Earlier in the day, the investigators recorded the detailed statement of complainants K. Shyam Krishnan and J.S. Jayalal, who secured the third and fifth ranks respectively in the recruitment process for Chief (Industry and Infrastructure) at the State Planning Board. Their depositions reportedly lasted nearly five hours. Both candidates alleged serious irregularities in the recruitment process and claimed that the final rank list had been manipulated.

According to the complainants, the alleged malpractice involved the improper evaluation of answer scripts, with numerous questions reportedly left unevaluated. The anomaly resulted in deserving candidates being unfairly excluded, while some others were allegedly moved ahead on the rank list. The complaints had prompted the PSC to freeze the disputed rank list.

The Crime Branch team is examining the allegations to determine whether there was a deliberate manipulation in the recruitment process. The investigators will verify the claims made by the complainants by corroborating their statements with official records and examination documents. The team is expected to formally request additional documents from the PSC to intensify the investigation.

The SIT will formally register First Information Reports after scrutinising the complaints and evidence that its gathers as the probe progresses.