Thiruvananthapuram, 28 Oct (H.S.): Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Dr M.R. Baiju is likely to be questioned by the Crime Branch today in connection with alleged examination irregularities, following sharp criticism from the High Court over the pace of the investigation.

Investigators have issued a notice directing Baiju to appear at the Crime Branch headquarters at 11 a.m. The move follows the court’s displeasure over delays in questioning key persons connected with the case.

The special investigation team has already questioned PSC members S.A. Saif, S. Sreekumar and Staly Thomas as part of the inquiry. More than 190 complaints relating to the alleged irregularities have been received from across the state.

Baiju had earlier maintained that he would not appear at the Crime Branch headquarters for questioning. He had instead said that investigators should visit the PSC headquarters if they wanted to record his statement.

However, while considering the case recently, the High Court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the investigation and the failure to question important persons. It made clear that it had imposed no restriction on either the investigation or questioning.

Questioning the apparent reluctance of investigators to act, the court asked why they were engaging in a “bhai-bhai” approach. The remarks underscored its concern over the manner in which the inquiry was being conducted.

The court also cautioned that the handling of the case should not create a public impression that the PSC and the state government were acting in collusion. It asserted that the truth would emerge regardless of any attempts to obscure it.

Following these observations, the Crime Branch stepped up its action and summoned the chairman. His possible appearance today would mark a further step in an investigation that has drawn judicial scrutiny over delays and the questioning of those associated with the commission.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman