VIJAYAWADA: The High Court on Monday directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to complete its probe into the alleged irregularities in the evaluation of Group-1 main examination answer scripts within a month and submit a report in a sealed cover. The HC adjourned the matter to April 30.
A division bench comprising Justice Battu Devanand and Justice Harinath Sharma issued the directions while hearing petitions related to alleged malpractice in the valuation process. The HC had ordered the State government to constitute an SIT to investigate the issue and submit a report.
During the hearing, the Additional Director General of Police (CID) filed an affidavit outlining the steps taken so far in the investigation. The bench examined the report and considered a plea filed by the SIT seeking more time to complete the probe.
Appearing for the SIT, senior counsel Panini Somayaji informed the HC that the answer sheets were sent to a forensic laboratory in Hyderabad as per directions.
However, the lab expressed its inability to examine and provide a comprehensive report. Of the total papers sent, only 167 were retained for examination, while the remaining were returned, he said.
The bench observed that it was the SIT’s responsibility to comply with the court’s directions. It made it clear that if the SIT was unable to proceed, it should inform the court, which could consider entrusting the probe to another agency.
Following a brief adjournment, the SIT counsel informed the court that the investigation would continue under the present team. The bench then granted time till April 30 to complete the probe.
The court expressed concern over the implementation of its orders directing the transfer of certain Group-1 officers to non-focal posts. It noted that some officers were posted in the CID despite allegations against them and questioned the rationale behind such postings.