First Planning Board, now KAS and SI exams: PSC faces three more cases; question papers leaked?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by IG S. Ajeetha Begum, has found alleged irregularities in three Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations, including the Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) and Sub-Inspector examinations. The irregularities are reportedly more serious than those found in the appointment of the Planning Board chief.

The SIT suspects, among other things, that question papers may have been leaked in these examinations. It has also found that appointments were allegedly made to people linked to the then ruling front and close relatives of political leaders.
Immediate action will be taken against two officials found to have committed serious irregularities in the appointment to the post of Planning Board chief. The Home Department has recommended to the Chief Minister that the additional secretary be suspended. Action, including withholding the pension of the retired deputy secretary, is also expected.

The High Court will consider the Crime Branch's arguments next Tuesday on the PSC's petition seeking cancellation of the Planning Board case. A final order will be issued after that. Until then, the decision is not to summon the PSC chairman or members for questioning.

SIT not to question PSC members at commission office

The SIT has decided that it will not go to the PSC office to question the chairman and members. Instead, they will have to appear for questioning at the Crime Branch headquarters. Crime Branch notices have been issued to PSC members S.A. Saif, S. Sreekumar, C.K. Shajib and Stany Thomas. PSC chairman M.R. Baiju will be questioned after the questioning of the members is completed.

The members had been served notices twice, asking them to inform the Crime Branch of a convenient time to appear after attending to their official duties. The PSC subsequently wrote to the Crime Branch stating that its members could not appear at the Crime Branch headquarters for questioning, citing protocol.

Non-bailable offence to be charged

Under Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with criminal breach of trust, officials could face life imprisonment or imprisonment of up to 10 years along with a fine. The offence allows an accused to be arrested without a warrant. As it is a non-bailable offence, station bail will not be available.