Siddaramaiah slams BJP MP for visiting house of alleged PSI scam kingpin

He further said, “Such encouragement of recruitment scams is another #ModiGuarantee.”

“We must stand against these injustices,” he added.

Shocking yet not surprising: BJP Lok Sabha candidate Umesh Jadhav visited RD Patil’s house, a main accused in the PSI recruitment scam, for a lavish meal.

This is a slap in the face to the innocent students impacted by the scam. BJP leaders will go to any lengths for votes,… pic.twitter.com/L2ds2GFTob

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 18, 2024

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‘Robbed future of youth’

The accused who were jailed in this case are out on bail subject to court conditions while a senior IPS officer from Karnataka was arrested and suspended from government service.

In a statement, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) claimed the PSI scam was the biggest corruption scandal in the history of the BJP government in the state, robbing the future of hundreds of youth.

About fifty-eight thousand youth appeared for the recruitment exam for 545 Police Sub-Inspector (Civil) posts on 3 October 2021, in 92 centres. However, due to irregularities in the examination, the case has been investigated by the CID and more than 110 people have been booked and charge-sheeted.

“The accused who were jailed in this case are out on bail subject to court conditions. Kalaburgi Lok Sabha Constituency MP and candidate Umesh Jhadav has revealed the close relationship of BJP leaders with the PSI scam accused by visiting the house of the prime accused, having a lavish meal with them and participating in a procession. Jadhav is accused of aiding the scam with Divya Hagari, the main accused, getting an examination centre illegally for his school,” the KPCC alleged.

Ongoing judicial probe

Apart from the police investigation, the Karnataka government also ordered a judicial probe in the case.

“The then Home Minister in the BJP government, BJP leaders and JD(S) leaders are alleged to be involved in this scam. A single-member commission of inquiry has been appointed under the leadership of B Veerappa, a retired judge of the Karnataka High Court, and the committee has submitted its report and the state government will have to take further action,” the Congress’ state unit said.

“…Jadhav has revealed the deep relationship between the accused and BJP leaders by enjoying dinner at his house and appearing openly with him in a public procession for benefit of elections,” it further alleged.

The KPCC further charged Jadhav’s move is seen as evidence of the Congress’ allegations that BJP leaders and the then BJP government were involved in this scam.

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