India
Crime Branch Files FIRs Against PSC Chairman, Members Over Fisheries and Motor Vehicle Exam Fraud
The Crime Branch has registered an FIR against the Chairman and members of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) over alleged irregularities in the examination for recruitment to the post of Fisheries Extension Officer. The complaint, filed by a Nemom native under Sections 7 and 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and other sections, names the PSC Chairman, members and officials as accused. Sources say the accused manipulated the selection process to secure undeserved ranks for candidates close to them, denying qualified candidates employment opportunities and making illicit gains. In a separate case, the Crime Branch has registered another FIR against PSC members over alleged irregularities in the examination for recruitment to the post of Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector, following a complaint by a Perumbavoor native. The FIR alleges that the examination notification was modified to include two additional courses among the prescribed educational qualifications, enabling candidates who did not meet the required physical fitness standards to apply, and that 45 questions in the question paper were copied verbatim from two websites. The irregularities allegedly resulted in undue benefits, including appointments for ineligible candidates. Though incumbent PSC Chairman M.R. Baiju has not been named in either FIR, sources said the Crime Branch was preparing to arraign him in the examination fraud investigation. This follows the questioning of the PSC Secretary and three commission members, who reportedly gave statements implicating the Chairman. Published - November 05, 2026 07:33 pm IST
Frequently asked questions
What allegations are made in the FIRs filed by the Crime Branch?
The FIRs allege that PSC members manipulated the selection process for the Fisheries Extension Officer exam, giving undeserved ranks to close associates, denying qualified candidates employment, and making illicit gains. In the Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector exam, the FIR alleges the notification was altered to add two courses, allowing ineligible candidates to apply, and that 45 questions were copied from two websites, leading to appointments for ineligible candidates.
Who filed the complaints that led to the FIRs?
A Nemom native filed the complaint for the Fisheries Extension Officer exam, and a Perumbavoor native filed the complaint for the Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector exam.
Has the PSC Chairman been named in the FIRs?
The incumbent PSC Chairman M.R. Baiju has not been named in either FIR, but sources say the Crime Branch was preparing to arraign him.