Chennithala orders SIT probe into Kerala PSC recruitment allegations
The Crime Branch Special Investigation Team will investigate claims of irregularities regarding the appointment of an SFI leader as a deputy SP.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday directed the Crime Branch Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged irregularities in a Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitment. According to the Deccan Chronicle, the order was given to Ajitha Begum, the head of the SIT, following a complaint by Save University Forum chairman R S Sasikumar.
The complaint claims that the PSC, under the leadership of chairman M R Baiju, tried to appoint Ernakulam-based SFI leader K J Jithin as a deputy SP by bypassing standard procedures. It is alleged that Jithin passed his B Com degree using grace marks and did not make the main rank list for the police constable recruitment exam.
The complainant further alleged that the recruitment process was rushed at the end of the previous government's term to ensure Jithin's appointment before the LDF government left office. The complaint also stated that appointing an individual facing multiple criminal cases to the role of Deputy Superintendent of Police was a violation of rules.
A total of 17,392 candidates applied for the post. The recruitment timeline included an application deadline of September 10, 2025, a written exam on December 31, 2025, a physical test on March 16, 2026, and interviews on April 22, with the final rank list released on May 6.
The SIT led by Begum is already investigating various complaints of fraud and irregularities in PSC appointments. The commission has challenged the probe and the prosecution sanction for its members in the Kerala High Court, which has reserved its judgment.