Controversy Erupts Over DSP Recruitment in Kerala, Home Minister Orders SIT Investigation
Keralas Home Minister directs an SIT to investigate allegations of irregularities in a police recruitment process.
Thiruvananthapuram, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : Kerala’s Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has ordered the Crime Branch’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations regarding a controversial recruitment process for the position of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). The accusations suggest that the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) violated regulations by attempting to appoint a leader from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) to the role.
Chennithala instructed Ajitha Begum, head of the SIT, to investigate a complaint filed by R.S. Shashikumar, president of the Save University Forum. The complaint alleges that the recruitment process was expedited under the leadership of KPSC Chairman M.R. Baiju.
The KPSC had decided to appoint K.J. Jithin, an SFI leader from Ernakulam, through a special recruitment process. The complaint claims this decision was made to secure Jithin’s appointment before the end of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s term.
A total of 17,392 candidates applied for the position, with the application deadline set for September 10, 2025. The written examination took place on December 31, followed by a physical efficiency test on March 16, 2026. Interviews were conducted on April 22, and the final rank list was published on May 6.
The complainant raised concerns about the unusually rapid completion of the entire process. They also questioned how Jithin could be considered for direct appointment to the DSP position, given that he had only passed his B.Com examination with grace marks and was not included in the main list of candidates for the police constable recruitment exam.
Moreover, the complainant pointed out that Jithin has several criminal cases against him, asserting that his direct appointment would constitute a serious violation of recruitment rules. This controversy surfaced on Monday, intensifying scrutiny over the KPSC’s recruitment practices.
Previously, the SIT had interrogated the KPSC chairman and three other members regarding another recruitment dispute. Jithin has denied any irregularities in the selection process, claiming the complaint was aimed at obstructing his appointment. With Chennithala’s latest directive, the investigation into the special recruitment proposal is expected to expand.
