Crime Branch SIT visits PSC headquarters; commission pledges full cooperation in recruitment probe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Branch, tasked with probing alleged irregularities in Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations and recruitment processes, visited the PSC headquarters on Monday evening. The team, led by Inspector General S. Ajeetha Begum, met with PSC Chairman Dr. M.R. Baiju to formally initiate the investigation.

The meeting, which lasted approximately half an hour at 5:30 PM, served to notify the Commission of the probe's commencement. Although the SIT had planned to arrive earlier in the day, the meeting was rescheduled to the evening to accommodate the Chairman’s pre-existing commitments. During the discussion, Dr. Baiju assured the investigative team that the PSC would extend its full cooperation and provide the necessary documents as requested by the authorities.

To facilitate a comprehensive investigation, the government has expanded the SIT by inducting ten additional officers of Circle Inspector and Sub-Inspector ranks. The team has been instructed to submit progress reports to police headquarters on a bi-weekly basis.

The investigation has already gained momentum, with the SIT recording statements from three complainants regarding recruitment issues at the State Planning Board. This process took nearly seven hours to complete. Officials stated that formal letters would be issued to the PSC on Tuesday to request the specific records required for each of these complaints. The SIT noted that it continues to receive numerous additional complaints regarding the PSC.

In a concurrent development, the PSC Commission convened on Monday and unanimously decided to cooperate with the Crime Branch inquiry, signalling an intent to avoid confrontation with the government. Commission members asserted that the investigation is necessary to maintain public trust, stating that the PSC’s credibility is of paramount importance. They resolved to hand over all documents requested by the Crime Branch in accordance with legal provisions to ensure transparency regarding the allegations. The Commission also decided to issue a formal statement regarding its commitment to assist the probe.