Thiruvananthapuram, 26 Oct (H.S.): Two Kerala Public Service Commission members appeared before the Crime Branch on Monday for questioning in connection with alleged examination irregularities, as the Special Investigation Team stepped up its probe.

Dr S. Sreekumar and S.A. Saif appeared before investigators led by SIT chief Ajitha Beegum. They face detailed questioning over the alleged malpractice. Two other commission members have been directed to appear on Tuesday.

The Crime Branch has also issued a notice asking PSC chairman Dr M.R. Baiju to appear at its headquarters on Wednesday.

The commission had earlier expressed its inability to appear before investigators and approached the High Court challenging the questioning. However, the court did not accept its request.

Meanwhile, a PSC meeting decided against taking any immediate steps over former Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s recommendation to the President seeking the removal of the chairman and commission members.

The commission resolved to discuss the matter after learning the President’s position. Members noted that the PSC had received neither the details nor the documents relating to the recommendation and considered a decision premature.

The meeting reportedly witnessed criticism of the PSC secretary for responding to a summons from the Governor. The secretary questioned whether such a summons could be ignored. Some members also reportedly criticised the chairman.

Separately, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan informed the Assembly that numerous complaints had been received against the PSC, with the Director General of Police alone receiving 180.

In a written reply, Satheesan said a detailed investigation into the alleged irregularities was underway.

However, the government was not considering changes to the method of appointing PSC members, he said.

The Chief Minister also clarified that there was currently no proposal to reduce the commission’s membership or cut members’ salaries and benefits, even as investigators continued examining complaints concerning the conduct of recruitment examinations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman