Published Oct 31, 2026 | 2:11 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 31, 2026 | 2:11 PM
Chief Minister V.D Satheesan earlier told the Assembly that 150 complaints had been received about the functioning of the PSC.
The Crime Branch Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the alleged manipulation of a Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) rank list, has registered a fresh FIR against PSC chairman M.R. Baiju and other members, accusing them of abusing their official positions to favour certain candidates in government recruitment.
The latest case was registered on October 28, in connection with alleged irregularities in the selection of Fisheries Extension Officers in the Fisheries Department.
Though Baiju and the other members have not been named in the FIR, their official designations are mentioned.
The charges include criminal breach of trust and misuse of powers vested in them as members of a constitutional body.
The investigation centres on the alleged irregular inclusion of candidates from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) in the rank list.
The SIT suspects that the list was manipulated to benefit candidates allegedly affiliated with the CPI(M), including those who did not meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.
A disproportionately large number of KUFOS graduates figured in the list after the recruitment examination.
A degree or postgraduate qualification from the university was stipulated as the basic eligibility requirement for the post.
During questioning, Baiju reportedly told the SIT that KUFOS candidates were given preference because of their higher qualifications. Denying the allegations against him, Baiju also claimed that the presence of a large number of KUFOS candidates on the list was not unusual.
The SIT had earlier recorded Baiju’s statement in a separate investigation into allege irregularities in the appointment of the State Planning Board chief.
He is likely to be questioned again as part of the latest probe.
Chief Minister V.D Satheesan earlier told the Assembly that 150 complaints had been received about the functioning of the PSC, four of which led to the registration of criminal cases.
The latest FIR adds to the scrutiny of recruitment procedures in the constitutional body, with the SIT examining whether its powers were misused to influence appointments to government posts.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
