The court granted CID custody of the two accused until September 9 to facilitate further questioning and investigation into allegations of a question paper leak, manipulation of OMR answer sheets and other irregularities in the recruitment process.
Gangwar was arrested by the CID after being questioned for two days over the alleged irregularities. He was subsequently produced before the Bengaluru First Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate court, which had earlier remanded him to one day of judicial custody and directed that he be produced before an open court on August 31.
Investigators questioned Gangwar extensively on August 28 and 29, reportedly continuing late into the night. Officials are examining alleged inconsistencies in his statements and evidence that purportedly points to his role in the alleged manipulation of OMR sheets.
The CID is also probing allegations that selected candidates were provided training at hotels and resorts as part of the alleged recruitment process. The investigation is expected to widen to former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, commission officials and others associated with the recruitment process.
Investigators have reportedly gathered details of four recruitment examinations conducted over the past three years, including those for the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Industries and Commerce Department, and veterinary officer posts.
Kannale was arrested by the CID in Delhi on Sunday in connection with the same case. Investigators are probing his alleged role as a middleman and his suspected involvement in helping candidates secure government jobs.
The agency also searched his residence in Donagapura village in Bhalki taluk of Bidar district. Kannale, a BJP leader from Bidar, is reportedly considered close to former Deputy Chief Minister and MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan and is said to be seeking a BJP ticket from the Bhalki Assembly constituency.
The alleged veterinary officer recruitment scam has also come under the Enforcement Directorate’s scanner, with the agency conducting searches at the residences of the former KPSC chairman, commission members and officials.
The CID had earlier searched the KPSC office as part of its probe into alleged question paper leaks, manipulation of marks and other irregularities during Gangwar’s tenure as Controller of Examinations.
According to the investigation, Gangwar, who was responsible for overseeing KPSC examinations, is suspected of involvement in the alleged question paper leak. Investigators suspect the leaked paper was sold to candidates for around Rs 40 lakh each with the alleged assistance of Kannale.
The CID is also examining allegations that attempts were made to destroy evidence by manipulating OMR answer sheets and deleting CCTV footage from the strongroom.
With the court granting 10 days of CID custody, investigators are expected to intensify their probe into the alleged recruitment network and the possible involvement of officials, intermediaries, candidates and others.
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