Bengaluru, November 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an 8,400-page chargesheet before a special court in Bengaluru in connection with the alleged Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment scam, naming four accused, including former KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar and jailed IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, officials said on Saturday.
The chargesheet follows an investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process and the suspected exchange of bribe money for the selection of candidates. The ED has recorded statements of more than 50 witnesses, including candidates, their parents and others linked to the alleged malpractice.
The agency has also relied on CCTV footage, candidates’ confession statements and records of financial transactions allegedly involving bribe money. The investigation has focused on tracing the movement of funds and collecting documentary evidence relating to the suspected dealings.
The case concerns alleged large-scale corruption, question paper leaks and OMR answer-sheet tampering in the January 2026 examination for 400 Veterinary Officer posts. Confidential examination papers and answer keys, reportedly covering around 80 questions, were allegedly leaked by senior officials and middlemen. Selected candidates were allegedly taken to private resorts or gated communities a day before the examination to memorise the answers.
Candidates were reportedly charged between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 80 lakh, with alleged total payments reaching up to Rs 1 crore for leaked answer keys, manipulation of the confidential 1:3 merit list and assured selections.
Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer and former Controller of Examinations at the KPSC, was arrested, while the state government has granted approval for his prosecution. Former KPSC member B.V. Geetha, a non-practising advocate, has also been named in connection with alleged financial transfers and property and rent dealings. She was recently granted bail by a special court. Basavaraj Kannale and alleged middlemen are also among those named.
The investigation has also involved the questioning of former KPSC Chairman Sahukar by the Special Investigation Team and the ED. The chargesheet places the agency’s evidence against the four accused before the special court.
Separately, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has ordered election-style security arrangements and strict anti-malpractice measures for the KPSC Gazetted Probationers (KAS) preliminary examination scheduled for November 15.
FOLLOW NOW
