Bengaluru, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday concluded a nearly nine-hour search at the Bengaluru residence of 2016-batch IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar as part of its money-laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment. The agency also searched a premises linked to him in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday.
The probe relates to alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers, with investigators examining allegations that candidates were asked to pay between Rs 70 lakh and Rs 80 lakh to secure appointments.
Gangwar had served as KPSC Controller of Examinations and was replaced in March 2026. He is currently posted as Director-MSME in Karnataka’s Department of Industries and Commerce. The ED searches were conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The officer was not present at his Bengaluru residence when the ED team arrived. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has said Gangwar travelled to Uttar Pradesh because of a family medical emergency involving his father and had taken leave.
ED officials reached the apartment in Jayamahal with CRPF personnel. After initially facing difficulty entering the premises, the team gained access and, with the residence locked, called a locksmith to open the door. The search reportedly included examination of documents and other material available at the house.
The latest action follows an earlier round of ED searches on August 18 at 21 locations linked to the KPSC recruitment probe, including the KPSC office, premises of former chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar and other locations.
The agency is examining financial records and other evidence to establish the alleged money trail and identify those involved in the recruitment irregularities. The investigation is continuing.
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