Crime Branch alleges ‘deliberate manipulation’ in Kerala PSC probe

Kerala Public Service Commission headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.

A remand report filed by the crime branch has alleged deliberate manipulation of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) investigation conducted for the State Planning Board.

Such allegations were detailed in the detention report of P. Satheesh, former deputy secretary of the Political and Security Committee, who was arrested in connection with the case.

According to the report, the irregularities were allegedly done with the knowledge of officials, including Mr. Satheesh and another officer, R. Hari, another secretary, who is currently absconding.

10 questions excluded

The police claim that 10 questions were deliberately excluded from the assessment and that the online assessment camp was closed without resuming the questions. Investigators suspect the questions were deliberately withheld because their ranking could change the ranking of candidates and prevent some favored individuals from securing an appointment.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has summoned PSC Secretary Saja George to appear for questioning in connection with the case on Saturday. The Controller of Examinations will also be summoned to seek clarification on the alleged involvement of PSC Chairman MR Baiju and the accused officials in the case.

Notices issued

The SIT also decided to question the remaining members of the PSC. Notices will be sent to 10 PSC members to appear for questioning.

The investigation team sought to clarify the alleged inconsistencies in Mr. Baiju’s statements during interrogation a few days ago. He allegedly claimed that the commission did not make any mistakes in its investigation of the Planning Board and that the irregularities stemmed from technical errors made by officials.

The SIT was also expanded to speed up the investigation. Two Superintendents of Police and one Deputy Superintendent of Police have been added to the team. Three newly registered cases were assigned to investigating police officers as part of the extended investigation.

Published – 30 Oct 2026 20:16 IST