Senior Karnataka IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangawar, whose reported disappearance had triggered a police search in Bengaluru, has been traced to his hometown and has contacted the state government.
The 2016-batch IAS officer had reportedly gone out of contact from Thursday evening, prompting concern within the administration and efforts by Bengaluru Police to trace him.
Police sources said Gangawar had actually proceeded on leave to attend to personal work and a family emergency before travelling urgently to his hometown.
According to officials, he had applied for leave before leaving Bengaluru. However, the application was reportedly not communicated to the concerned authorities in time because of the holidays.
Also read: From Bengaluru to Bihar: State Takes Its Investment Pitch to Top Industry Leaders
Unreachable Official Phone Sparked Confusion
The situation became more concerning when Gangawar could not be reached on his official phone.
His absence, coupled with the lack of communication regarding his leave, led to confusion within the department and eventually triggered a police search for his whereabouts.
The episode also generated considerable public attention, particularly amid ongoing Enforcement Directorate raids linked to alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission examinations.
Home Minister Confirms Officer Is Safe
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge clarified the situation on Saturday, saying the officer had since established contact with the government.
Kharge said Gangawar had explained that he needed to travel urgently to his hometown because of a family emergency and had sought leave before doing so.
The Minister indicated that the officer’s unreachable official phone had contributed to the confusion and speculation surrounding his whereabouts.
Gangawar Had Served at KPSC
Gangawar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, is currently posted with the MSME department.
He had earlier served as Controller of Examinations at the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), making his reported disappearance particularly notable at a time when the agency is under scrutiny over alleged examination-related irregularities.
However, authorities have clarified that the officer’s absence was linked to a personal and family emergency rather than any unexplained disappearance.
Search Ends as Officer Re-establishes Contact
With Gangawar now in contact with the government and his whereabouts confirmed, the police search triggered by his sudden absence has effectively come to an end.
The episode underscores how a gap in official communication, particularly when an officer becomes unreachable, can quickly lead to uncertainty and speculation.
Also read: Advocates’ Association Bengaluru Protests Against Karnataka Chief Justice, Alleges Administrative Collapse in Courts
