Kerala Crime Branch Expands PSC Probe, Uncovers Irregularities in Three Additional Recruitments

Thiruvananthapuram: Following allegations surrounding the Planning Board chief examination, the Kerala Crime Branch has widened its investigation into the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC), identifying suspected irregularities across three additional recruitment drives.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Inspector General of Police Ajeetha Begum found discrepancies in the selection and testing processes for the posts of Village Oil Inspector, Fisheries Extension Officer, and Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector. Official cases are slated to be registered for all three instances, with PSC officials expected to be named among the accused. The SIT will submit its preliminary inquiry report to Crime Branch Additional Director General of Police H. Venkatesh later this week.

Key Irregularities Identified by the SIT

• Village Oil Inspector (2019):

Only a single candidate appeared for the interview. While the required criteria mandated a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree alongside a three-month certification from the Khadi Board, the individual appointed in 2021 presented a certificate for a 15-day course. Investigations also suggest the selected candidate shares a familial link with a PSC official.

• Fisheries Extension Officer (2020):

Candidates associated with the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) comprised 93 of the 110 positions on the final rank list, resulting in 38 out of 42 eventual appointments going to the same institution. In addition, senior KUFOS faculty and administrators reportedly served on the interview panel and contributed directly to drafting the examination paper.

• Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector (2023):

A review of the 100-mark OMR examination revealed that 47 questions were lifted verbatim from an online preparation module.