Major twist in PSC recruitment irregularities: Probe handed over to Crime Branch

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major development in the alleged irregularities in Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitments, the state government has handed over the investigation to the Crime Branch as more complaints continue to surface.

The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting. Although a Vigilance probe was initially on the agenda, ministers suggested that the Crime Branch would be better equipped to investigate allegations of fraud, criminal conspiracy and other offences. Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan accepted the recommendation.

Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister said the Home Department would decide the scope of the investigation, including how many years of recruitment would be examined and which officers would be assigned to the probe.

The Cabinet also discussed a 1992 government order that requires the Vigilance Department to submit its investigation report to the concerned administrative authority. In the case of the PSC, this would mean submitting the report to the PSC Chairman, which could lead to legal complications if challenged in court. The government said this was one of the reasons for assigning the investigation to the Crime Branch instead.

Officials said no accused persons have been identified so far and there is no prima facie evidence against any individual. Under existing rules, the Vigilance Department can register a case only after completing a preliminary inquiry. The Crime Branch, however, is not bound by this restriction and can directly investigate allegations of fraud and criminal conspiracy.

If evidence of wrongdoing is found, the Crime Branch can file charges against any individual, irrespective of their position. Although the PSC is a constitutional body, its Chairman and members are not immune from criminal prosecution. Charges under anti-corruption laws can also be invoked if warranted.

The government said all complaints received so far, as well as any fresh complaints, will be transferred to the Crime Branch. Separate cases will be registered based on each complaint. The agency will also have the authority to conduct searches and seize documents as part of the investigation.

Fresh complaints surface

Even after the Crime Branch probe was announced, more complaints alleging irregularities in PSC recruitments have emerged.

1. One complaint, supported by documentary evidence, alleges irregularities in the recruitment of Assistant Professors in Hotel Management.
2. Another complaint alleges that the answer sheet of a candidate for the Personal Manager post in the Kerala State Coir Corporation was replaced during the evaluation process. The complainant claims that the answer sheet evaluated was not the one originally submitted.
3. There are also allegations that candidates who scored lower marks in the written examination were awarded unusually high interview marks to move them higher in the rank list.

PSC Chairman, members cannot be removed by state government

The state government does not have the authority to remove the PSC Chairman or its members. They can be removed only by the President of India, following an inquiry conducted by a judge of the Supreme Court. However, if criminal charges are filed against them, they may choose to resign.

"The PSC represents the hopes and dreams of lakhs of young people who appear for these examinations. Every complaint will be investigated thoroughly," Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan said.