Thiruvananthapuram: The Crime Branch has registered a First Information Report (FIR) into alleged irregularities surrounding a Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitment examination, marking a major escalation in the probe into one of the most sensitive controversies involving the state's constitutional recruitment body.
The FIR was registered after the Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Inspector General of Police Ajitha Beegum, submitted its report to the State Police Chief.
Sources said the decision to register the case followed detailed consultations with legal experts.
Although the FIR does not name any individual as an accused, investigators have concluded that serious procedural lapses occurred, warranting a full-fledged criminal investigation.
With the registration of the FIR, the SIT is expected to expand its investigation team and expedite the questioning of those connected with the examination. Investigators are preparing a list of PSC employees who will be summoned for questioning as they seek to establish responsibility for the alleged lapses.
It also remains to be seen whether any of the politically appointed PSC Members will come under the scanner as the investigation progresses.
The case centres on a PSC-conducted recruitment examination for appointments to senior posts in the Kerala State Planning Board. The selection process was intended to ensure merit-based appointments to one of the state's key policymaking institutions.
The FIR comes amid a separate internal inquiry announced by the PSC into the controversy, although details of the progress of that probe have not been made public.
The examination under scrutiny relates to the appointment of a candidate allegedly linked to Left politics to a top post in the Planning Board. The examination, interview and subsequent appointment were conducted during the tenure of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government.
The present PSC comprises a Chairman and 15 Members, all appointed by the Vijayan government.
Under the Constitution, the Chairman and Members of the PSC hold office for six years or until they attain the age of 62, whichever is earlier.
The development assumes significance as the PSC is a constitutional body entrusted with ensuring transparent and merit-based recruitment to government service.
Any finding of manipulation or serious procedural violations could undermine the credibility of an institution that represents the aspirations of lakhs of government job seekers across Kerala.
With IANS inputs