Kerala PSC exam fraud: Officials named as accused; Crime Branch registers FIR

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has registered the first First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the Public Service Commission (PSC) Planning Board recruitment fraud. The case was registered following a preliminary inquiry by the Crime Branch, which uncovered widespread irregularities in the appointments. Although no individuals are explicitly named in the initial FIR, the investigation has commenced with officials included in the list of accused.

The investigation team has identified two senior officials who provided illicit assistance for the Planning Board appointment malpractices. It is understood that the SIT has decided to submit a special report to the court on Thursday to officially name them in the list of accused. Investigating officers clarified that the FIR was drafted based on the complainant's statement, and details regarding who gained financially from the irregularities will be thoroughly examined in the coming days.

Under the supervision of Crime Branch Chief H Venkatesh, a three-member team, led by Economic Offences Wing IG Ajitha Begum, is investigating the case. Preliminary findings reportedly call the credibility of the PSC into question.

Although the current case pertains to a complaint regarding Planning Board appointments, similar allegations of irregularities have been raised concerning appointments across several other categories.