SIT firm on stand; PSC members must appear for questioning

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Crime Branch has maintained its stand that PSC members must appear for questioning in connection with the irregularities in examinations held for top posts in the State Planning Board. Notices issued to four PSC members direct them to appear at the Crime Branch headquarters on Tuesday.

The PSC secretary had informed the Crime Branch in a letter that the members would not appear for questioning, citing their constitutional positions and protocol. However, the Crime Branch has rejected the explanation. The investigation team maintains that the PSC Chairman and members are bound to cooperate with the investigation and cannot refuse to appear at a place specified by the agency.

The Crime Branch said the members were summoned based on legal advice received by the investigation team. It is examining whether there was a criminal conspiracy behind the publication of a rank list without evaluating 58 marks out of a 100-mark examination and the subsequent appointment of a leader of a Left organisation.

Departmental action recommended

The SIT has recommended departmental action against PSC Examination Wing Additional Secretary Hari and former Deputy Secretary Satheesh after finding lapses on their part in connection with the incident.

The PSC had earlier informed the Crime Branch that the agency should come to the PSC headquarters if it wanted to record the members’ statements. The commission has sought legal advice again on the matter, which will be discussed at the PSC meeting scheduled for Monday. However, some PSC members believe that refusing to appear for questioning in the name of protocol could only raise fresh doubts among the public about the commission.

‘Arrogance and high-handedness’

Adv. A.N. Rajan Babu criticised the PSC members for refusing to appear before the investigating agency.

“PSC members take office after taking an oath to uphold the laws of the country. They are bound to appear if an investigating agency asks them to. Claiming that they have protection is a sign of ignorance, arrogance and high-handedness,” he said.