Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has approved the prosecution of suspended Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, a 2016-batch senior IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, in connection with an alleged question paper leak in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment examination for veterinary officers.
Gangwar, who served as KPSC Controller of Examinations from January 2024 to March 2026, is accused of misusing his official position to share the examination paper with Basavaraj Kannale, identified in reports as the prime accused in the case.
The prosecution sanction allows the competent investigating authorities to pursue the case against the officer in accordance with the applicable legal process. It does not, by itself, establish guilt.
Gangwar Accused of Sharing KPSC Examination Paper
The case concerns the alleged leak of a question paper for the recruitment examination for veterinary officers conducted through the KPSC.
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According to the allegations reported in connection with the investigation, Gangwar passed the paper to Kannale while serving as the commission’s Controller of Examinations.
Gangwar has been suspended from service. The case is being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
DK Shivakumar Announces Prosecution Sanction
Announcing the decision on social media platform X, Shivakumar said the state government would not tolerate corruption or actions that compromise the future of young people seeking public employment.
The approval marks a step in the legal proceedings against Gangwar. Further action will depend on the investigation and the relevant legal procedures.
What Is the KPSC Paper Leak Case?
The case concerns alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission’s (KPSC) recruitment examination for 400 Veterinary Officer posts, held on January 8 and 9, 2026. Investigators allege that Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, who served as KPSC Controller of Examinations from January 2024 to March 2026, passed the confidential question paper and answers to alleged middleman Basavaraj Kannale. According to the investigation, some candidates were reportedly given access to the material before the examination in exchange for money.
Key details include:
- Officer: Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, suspended IAS officer.
- Former position: KPSC Controller of Examinations, January 2024–March 2026.
- Allegation: Misuse of official position to share an examination question paper.
- Person identified as prime accused: Basavaraj Kannale.
- Investigating agencies: CID Special Investigation Team and Enforcement Directorate.
- Latest development: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sanctioned Gangwar’s prosecution.
The case remains subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
