45 questions copied, physical criteria bypassed; PSC core group accused of recruitment manipulation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior officials of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) allegedly altered a recruitment notification to facilitate the appointment of preferred candidates as Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors, according to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing examination and recruitment irregularities within the commission.

The SIT has found that a six-member core group comprising the PSC chairman, three members who are politicians and two arrested officials was behind the examination and recruitment fraud. The group reportedly controlled the commission's affairs, keeping the secretary out of its operations.

The alteration of the recruitment notification was detected in the fourth case investigated in connection with the alleged irregularities. Two additional courses were included in the educational qualification criteria before the deadline for submitting applications. Candidates who did not possess the required physical qualifications were also included in the rank list. The FIR further alleges that 45 questions were copied from two online study material websites, Examveda and Sanfoundry.com.

The FIR also alleges that ineligible candidates were appointed from the rank list published on September 2, 2024. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Rahul Raj, a native of Perumbavoor. Although officials have been named as accused, their identities have not been disclosed. The investigation is being led by Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police S.A. Pradeep Kumar.

SIT rules out secretary's involvement

PSC Secretary Saju George was questioned for three hours as part of the investigation. During the questioning, he reportedly disclosed further details of the alleged fraud carried out by the chairman and his associates and handed over additional documents relating to the irregularities. The SIT's assessment is that the secretary had no involvement in the alleged fraud. He later told the media that he would cooperate with the investigation.

The secretary had headed the special cell constituted within the PSC to facilitate the transfer of documents to the Crime Branch. Examination Controller Bini K. Abraham is scheduled to be questioned on Tuesday, while certain other officials will be questioned on Monday. Notices have also been issued to 12 PSC members, asking them to appear for questioning.

Six-member group allegedly controlled all examination procedures

According to the SIT, the six-member core group had a role in every major stage of the examination and recruitment process, including question paper preparation, the formation of interview panels, the awarding of marks, preparation of rank lists and appointments. The investigation team has also maintained that the examination controller cannot evade responsibility for the irregularities.

Governor's sanction may be sought

The Crime Branch is likely to seek the Governor's sanction to name the PSC chairman and members as accused in additional cases and arrest them. The proposed action is being considered under Section 17(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. In the alleged Planning Board scam, sanction had not been sought before the accused were named, a decision that was subsequently challenged before the High Court. The court is scheduled to consider the matter on Monday. The Crime Branch has received legal advice that prior approval is sufficient for the trial.