Kerala PSC exam scam: Former Deputy Secretary arrested

The Crime Branch has arrested P Satheesh, a former Deputy Secretary of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), in connection with alleged irregularities in the Planning Board examination. Satheesh, who managed the on-screen marking system, is the first arrest made in the ongoing investigation.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is intensifying its probe, having recently recorded statements from PSC members S Sreekumar and S A Saif. The SIT has also issued a summons to PSC Chairman M R Baiju, who is expected to face a questionnaire containing over 100 questions. Other members, including Stany Thomas, have also been involved in the questioning process.

In related developments, Additional Secretary R Hari has been suspended following his naming as an accused in the Planning Board exam scam. The government is also pursuing measures to deny pension benefits to the retired Satheesh. The investigation has expanded to include two additional FIRs regarding irregularities in examinations for fisheries extension officers and village oil inspectors, with further cases expected regarding assistant motor vehicle inspector positions.