Crime branch for comprehensive probe into PSC irregularities; letter demands files

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The crime branch is of the stand that a case should not be filed in haste in over the PSC irregularities. A decision on filing a case will be taken after the preliminary investigation. A detailed investigation will be conducted in the case. In the meantime, the crime branch will write a letter to the PSC demanding the files. If the PSC does not release the files, it will end in a legal battle.

IG Ajitha Begum is in charge of the investigation. The investigation team includes an SP and a DySP. The cabinet meeting decided to conduct a crime branch investigation while the appointment fraud controversy in the planning board was raging. The chief minister accepted the ministers' direction that the crime branch is best suited to find frauds and conspiracies.

The cabinet meeting also discussed the order issued in 1992 that if the vigilance is investigating, the report should be handed over to the respective administrative head. The government order was related to corruption of judicial, legislature secretariat, and PSC officials and members. According to this, the investigation report will have to be handed over to PSC chairman. Otherwise, it may be questioned in the court. This also led to the case being handed over to the crime branch.