The special investigation team (SIT) probing the alleged malpractices in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) examination system has been expanded with the appointment of seven more officers.

Initially comprising three officers, including Inspector General (IG) Ajeetha Begum, who heads the team, a Superintendent of Police (SP) and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP), the SIT has been reinforced with the inclusion of a Circle Inspector, a Cyberdome official to assist with technical and digital analysis, and two women police officers, among others.

The Crime Branch team is expected to accelerate the inquiry and widen the scope of the investigation with the enhanced strength. It will begin a detailed examination of official records related to the examinations that have come under suspicion.

The SIT had already approached the Kerala PSC headquarters and met with the PSC chairperson to request access to crucial documents, including the examination question papers. While the PSC has stated that it will cooperate with the probe, the body is unlikely to share certain confidential information, including the identities of those involved in evaluating the answer scripts.

At the same time, the PSC has reportedly informed the SIT that the answer sheets of the 200-odd candidates who appeared for the examinations will be handed over to it.

The investigators have already begun to collect evidence as part of the probe. Statements from five complainants who raised the allegations were recorded earlier. More witnesses are expected to be questioned in the next few days.

Published - July 15, 2026 07:17 pm IST