Thiruvananthapuram: The crime branch has recommended a review of the appointments made following the alleged irregularities in Kerala Public Service Commission’s (PSC) examination conducted for the State Planning Board.It is reliably learnt that the special investigation team (SIT) of the crime branch has written to govt seeking a review of the appointments of Arun Prathap and Saji Mon, who were selected for posts in the industry and infrastructure division of the planning board. The recommendation was made after the SIT found that the evaluation of the examination was incomplete.The recommendation follows the crime branch finding that senior PSC officials had committed lapses in the conduct of the examination. The investigators are examining whether the lapses were mere errors or whether there was a deliberate conspiracy to benefit particular candidates.Can’t appear for questioning: PSC tells CBMeanwhile, PSC has formally opposed the crime branch move to question its chairman and members at the crime branch headquarters. The commission has written to the IG (crimes) stating that its members, being a constitutional authority, cannot appear at the headquarters for questioning. PSC has informed the crime branch that its members can have their statements recorded at the PSC office at any time from Sept 15. The commission had earlier decided to seek legal advice on the notices issued to its members.The crime branch had planned to record the statements of the PSC members from Sept 15 before questioning chairman M R Baiju.Legal sources, however, said that the investigating officer has the authority to decide the venue for questioning. They also said PSC members do not enjoy special immunity from criminal proceedings merely because the commission is a constitutional institution.The SIT has also found serious lapses on the part of deputy secretary P Satheesh and additional secretary R Hari in the examination-related process. Satheesh retired from service around one-and-a-half years ago.The state police chief had recommended departmental action against the two officials. Govt is expected to forward the recommendation to the PSC soon for disciplinary proceedings. The investigation is also looking into whether the officials’ lapses were due to negligence or whether they were part of a criminal conspiracy. No one has been named as an accused in the case so far.
