Mere errors or deliberate collusion? PSC Chairman under scrutiny; statements to be recorded at Crime Branch headquarters

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) will question the Public Service Commission Chairman and its members regarding the irregularities in the Planning Board examination. A notice has been issued to PSC member S.A. Saif, directing him to appear at the Crime Branch headquarters on the 15th.

Saif, a native of Kollam, is known for fearlessly expressing his views against the Chairman within the Commission. He had previously shared a post on Facebook regarding the ongoing issues within the PSC. The investigation team believes that Saif's statement will shed more light on the irregularities occurring within the organisation.

Notices are also being issued to the other 15 members. Chairman M.R. Baiju will be questioned after the members have been interrogated. The interview for the Planning Board post was conducted under the Chairman's supervision. Kerala Kaumudi had reported on July 7 that the SIT investigation could spell trouble for the Chairman.

The Crime Branch found that two PSC officials committed serious lapses regarding the Planning Board examination irregularities. The officials involved are Deputy Secretary P. Satheesh and Additional Secretary R. Hari; Satheesh retired from service a year and a half ago. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted a report to the DGP recommending departmental action against the two officials responsible for the evaluation process.

The investigation team assesses that the Chairman failed to take action despite being aware of the errors in evaluation and adopted a stance that protected the accused officials. Investigators are also examining whether the officials' actions were merely errors or if there was deliberate collusion. The report states that due to the officials' negligence, answers worth 58 marks in the Planning Board recruitment examination were left unevaluated.

If the SIT report goes against the PSC, there are indications that the Governor would write to the President seeking a comprehensive investigation. In such an event, the Supreme Court would conduct the probe directly, acting on the President's directive. An adverse report would lead to the dismissal of the Chairman and the commission members.

The DGP was summoned to the Raj Bhavan to clarify matters regarding the allegations. The PSC Secretary was also summoned and questioned. It is understood that certain PSC members were also called to the Raj Bhavan.