PSI Scam: Former Karnataka Dy CM Ashwath Narayan Interrogated by SIT
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Synopsis
C.N. Ashwath Narayan, a BJP MLA and former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, faced the SIT regarding the PSI recruitment scam, amidst allegations of his involvement in facilitating recruitment for candidates from Magadi, including relatives. The investigation continues to unfold with significant political implications.
Key Takeaways
- C.N. Ashwath Narayan appeared before the SIT.
- Allegations of facilitating recruitment from Magadi.
- Over 30 arrests made, including an ADGP.
- 54,041 candidates took the PSI exams.
- Claims of bribery involving over 300 candidates.
Bengaluru, Feb 3 (NationPress) Former Deputy Chief Minister and current Karnataka BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday regarding his involvement in the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) recruitment scam.
The Congress-led government has initiated a reinvestigation into the scandal, with accusations suggesting that Ashwath Narayan may have facilitated the recruitment of candidates from the Magadi area, including family members.
Reports indicate that during his interrogation, Ashwath Narayan asserted that he is not connected to the scam and labeled the allegations against him as politically driven.
The Karnataka Congress government has declared its intent to re-evaluate the PSI recruitment scandal. Over 30 individuals, including an officer of ADGP rank, have been arrested, marking a significant development in the state’s history.
In total, 54,041 candidates participated in the examinations conducted on October 3, 2021, for 545 available PSI positions across 92 centers in the state. Results were published in January.
Subsequently, allegations emerged that candidates who performed poorly in descriptive writing scored exceptionally high in Paper 2. However, both the police and the then Home Minister, Araga Jnanendra, refuted claims of any irregularities in the PSI recruitment process.
A candidate filed an RTI request for information regarding another candidate's OMR sheets. Despite the rejection of the request, the OMR sheets were leaked online. Police sources reported that Veeresh, a candidate, answered only 21 questions in Paper 2 but received a perfect score of 100, securing the 7th rank.
Current Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, Priyank Kharge, accused over 300 of the 545 candidates of bribing officials and ministers with sums ranging from Rs 70 to 80 lakh to secure PSI positions. The ruling BJP challenged him to present evidence to the CID.
Congress leaders have demanded the resignation of Home Minister Jnanendra, also alleging corruption involving Ashwath Narayan and hinting at the involvement of former CM B.S. Yediyurappa’s son and BJP MLA B.Y. Vijayendra.
Former ADGP Amrit Paul has been arrested and imprisoned in this case. Congress claims that the investigation is stagnating due to the involvement of influential BJP politicians.
The investigation agency has already submitted two charge sheets to the court concerning the scam.
