The Crime Branch arrested former Public Service Commission (PSC) official P. Satheesh in Kozhikode on Thursday in connection with an alleged examination scam related to the recruitment for the position of Chief of the State Planning Board. Satheesh, who retired from the PSC last year, was responsible for overseeing the examination wing and the evaluation process of the disputed recruitment test.

This arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation, which is expanding to examine the involvement of senior officials and potential irregularities in other recruitment examinations conducted by the commission. The probe has already resulted in the registration of two additional cases related to alleged recruitment malpractices.

In a related development, PSC Chairman M.R. Baiju appeared for questioning before the Crime Branch on Thursday as part of the investigation. Earlier this week, three other PSC members were also questioned, with their statements recorded by investigators. These members maintained that they did not have any direct role in administering the examinations or evaluating answer sheets. They clarified that their primary responsibilities were limited to participation in interview panels, while examination-related tasks were handled by the chairman, secretary, and examination controller.

Earlier in the inquiry, R. Hari, Additional Secretary in the PSC’s Examination Wing, was suspended after being named as an accused in the case. The PSC has taken departmental action against Satheesh as well, deciding to withhold his retirement benefits following the findings.

Investigations continue as the Crime Branch seeks to uncover the full extent of irregularities in the recruitment processes overseen by the Kerala Public Service Commission.