The Crime Branch Special Investigation Team (SIT) has named the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman, commission members and officials allegedly aligned with the CPM as accused in the irregularities surrounding the recruitment examination for the post of Fisheries Extension Officer. The development is likely to create fresh political pressure on the ruling Left party, as the FIR points to alleged favouritism towards candidates associated with the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS).
According to the FIR, the PSC chairman, commission members and officials have been listed as the first, second and third accused, respectively. However, the document identifies them only through their official designations without disclosing their individual names or specifying the number of commission members and staff allegedly involved in the case.
The recruitment process began in 2020, when M.K. Sakeer was heading the PSC and the examination was conducted during his tenure. However, the rank list was subsequently published and appointments were finalised under the chairmanship of M.R. Baiju. The SIT had recently questioned Baiju for nearly eight hours, indicating that the investigation was examining the role of senior officials in the alleged irregularities.
The FIR alleges that the examination process was manipulated to secure higher ranks for candidates from KUFOS who were favoured by the PSC chairman, members and officials with CPM sympathies. It further alleges that criminal breach of trust and corruption were involved in facilitating the appointment of undeserving candidates while depriving eligible applicants of employment opportunities.
The recruitment process came under scrutiny after it emerged that 38 of the 42 candidates appointed to the post were from KUFOS. The Save University Campaign Committee had raised concerns in its complaint to the SIT, alleging that a significant number of those selected were either active SFI leaders or members of the student organisation. The complaint also questioned the preparation of the examination paper, alleging that KUFOS faculty members were involved in setting the questions.
Further allegations concerned the participation of KUFOS faculty members in the interview board, raising questions about possible conflicts of interest and the fairness of the selection process. Following the developments, the investigation into this particular recruitment-related case has been transferred to the Crime Branch in Ernakulam for further examination.
In a related development, the SIT has arrested PSC Additional Secretary R. Hari in connection with the alleged fraud in the Planning Board examination. He was taken into custody from Ernakulam and is expected to be brought to Thiruvananthapuram for further proceedings.
The developments in both cases have brought the functioning of the PSC and the alleged involvement of its officials in recruitment irregularities under renewed scrutiny. The naming of the commission's top leadership and other officials as accused in the fisheries recruitment case could also intensify political criticism of the state government over transparency and accountability in public appointments.