Should appear for questioning on Wednesday; Crime Branch sends notice to PSC chairman

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Crime Branch has sent a notice to Kerala PSC chairman Dr M R Baiju, asking him to appear for questioning on Wednesday in connection with irregularities in the Planning Board examination. The notice was issued after two PSC members were questioned today as part of the investigation. Baiju was also part of the board that conducted interviews for the Planning Board posts.

Meanwhile, the PSC held a meeting today. The members decided to wait and watch the further action taken by the Crime Branch. The meeting also discussed former Governor Rajendra Arlekar's recommendation to the President seeking the removal of the PSC chairman and other members. Apart from M R Baiju, former PSC deputy secretary P Satheesh and additional secretary R Hari have been named as accused in the case by the Crime Branch.

At the same time, Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan had sought permission to discuss Arlekar's action in the Assembly. However, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan rejected the request. In his ruling, the Speaker said the Assembly rules do not permit discussions concerning individuals holding high constitutional offices, such as the President and the Governor.