Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has formally granted sanction to prosecute senior IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in connection with a major recruitment scam involving the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). The decision follows an extensive investigation into allegations of a question paper leak during the recruitment process for veterinary officers earlier this year. The government's move signals a firm stance against administrative corruption, with the Chief Minister emphasizing that there is no protection for those found guilty of undermining public trust.
The controversy centres on the veterinary officer recruitment examination, which was scheduled for January 8 and 9. Reports indicate that the confidential question paper, along with the corresponding answer key, was leaked on January 7, just one day prior to the start of the examination. This breach compromised the integrity of the hiring process, sparking widespread concerns about the security of public service examinations and the potential for systemic manipulation within the commission.
Investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have brought serious allegations against Gangwar. At the time of the incident, he was serving as the examination controller for the KPSC. Investigators allege that he misused his official authority to pass sensitive and confidential examination materials to the prime accused in the case, identified as Basavaraj Kannale.
The scale of the alleged malpractice was significant. According to details provided by investigative agencies, candidates involved in the scheme reportedly paid sums amounting to as much as ₹40 lakh each to gain illicit access to the leaked questions and answers. It is alleged that Kannale and his associates coordinated a secret gathering for these candidates at a resort situated on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where they were allowed to review the material before appearing for the test.
Beyond facilitating the leak, the network allegedly ensured the candidates reached their designated examination centres on time. By providing transport and logistical support, the accused reportedly sought to prevent the candidates from drawing suspicion during the process. These actions have now placed several individuals under intense legal scrutiny, with the prosecution sanction for the IAS officer reportedly cited under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar took to social media to announce the decision, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to accountability. He stated that the government would not tolerate any actions that jeopardize the future of the state's youth. He further reiterated that ensuring transparency in governance and protecting the credibility of public recruitment remains a top priority for his administration. The state government has made it clear that no leniency will be shown to those whose actions cast a shadow over administrative integrity.
The ongoing probe involves multiple agencies, including the ED, which has already taken action against other high-ranking officials associated with the commission. Recently, the investigative agency secured custody of the former head of the KPSC, as well as a serving member, in connection with the same scandal. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on dismantling the broader network that facilitated this recruitment fraud and ensuring that all those involved are held accountable under the law.
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