Bengaluru, September 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has submitted its progress report on the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment case to the Karnataka government and the trial court, detailing the alleged money trail, involvement of middlemen and manipulation of OMR answer sheets, officials said on Tuesday.
The case relates to alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers through the KPSC. According to the CID report, investigators have traced or seized more than Rs 1.5 crore, besides gold and diamond jewellery valued at around Rs 22 lakh.
The report details the alleged role of arrested BJP leader Basavaraj Kannale, who is suspected of collecting money from candidates by promising to help them secure veterinary officer posts.
Investigators found that at least three candidates allegedly paid Rs 60 lakh in cash to Kannale. Kiran Gowda allegedly paid Rs 10 lakh, Mohammed Sohel Rs 20 lakh and Saleem Onti Rs 30 lakh.
The CID also traced substantial amounts in bank accounts linked to Kannale and his associates. Around Rs 64 lakh was found in an account with Om Lakshmi Souharda Cooperative Bank, while Rs 5.2 lakh was traced to a Kotak Mahindra Bank account. Another Rs 71 lakh was reportedly found in an account belonging to Kannale’s wife.
The agency also seized Rs 5.60 lakh in cash from Kannale. The total amount traced or frozen across different accounts is estimated at around Rs 1.5 crore.
The report has also highlighted the alleged role of jailed IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar, who served as KPSC Controller of Examinations. Investigators have alleged that he assisted in manipulating OMR answer sheets during the recruitment process.
The investigation reportedly found that jewellery worth around Rs 20 lakh was given by Gyanendra Kumar to a female friend. The transaction has also been examined as part of the financial trail.
The CID has identified five middlemen, including Kannale, who allegedly played roles in the recruitment process. Investigators are examining how they allegedly approached candidates, collected money and facilitated access to examination-related material.
The probe began following allegations of question paper leaks, OMR sheet manipulation and demands for large sums of money from candidates seeking appointment as veterinary officers. The recruitment was for 400 posts, with allegations surfacing after the examination results were announced.
The investigation has now been handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) following directions from the Karnataka High Court for a detailed probe.
The High Court has directed the SIT, headed by senior IPS officer Alok Kumar, to complete the investigation within 100 days and submit periodic progress reports. The CID has also been directed to hand over the case records to the SIT.
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