Keralam exam fraud: PSC chairman, members under Crime Branch scanner
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The Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) building in Thiruvananthapuram. | Photo Credit: SPECAIL ARRANGEMENT
The Crime Branch has registered an FIR against the Chairman and members of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) over alleged irregularities in the examination for recruitment to the post of Fisheries Extension Officer, marking a significant development in the PSC examination fraud case.
Unlike earlier FIRs registered in connection with other examination malpractices, which referred to the accused collectively as βPSC membersβ, the latest FIR explicitly identifies three categories of accused: the PSC Chairman, members and officials. The case was registered on a complaint filed by a Nemom native under Sections 7 and 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and other sections.
The alleged irregularities relate to the examination conducted for the Fisheries Extension Officer post at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos). According to sources, the PSC Chairman, members and certain officials manipulated the selection process to secure undeserved ranks for candidates close to them, denying qualified candidates employment opportunities. The FIR also alleges that the accused made illicit gains.
In a separate case, the Crime Branch has registered another FIR against PSC members over alleged irregularities in the examination for recruitment to the post of Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector, following a complaint by a Perumbavoor native. The FIR alleges that the examination notification was modified to include two additional courses among the prescribed educational qualifications, enabling candidates who did not meet the required physical fitness standards to apply.
It further alleges that 45 questions in the question paper were copied verbatim from two websites. The irregularities allegedly resulted in undue benefits, including appointments for ineligible candidates. Though incumbent PSC Chairman M.R. Baiju has not been named in either FIR, sources said the Crime Branch was preparing to arraign him in the examination fraud investigation. This follows the questioning of the PSC Secretary and three commission members, who reportedly gave statements implicating the Chairman.
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