Bengaluru: A CID investigation into alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment process has accused IAS officer Ghyanendra Kumar Gangwar of manipulating examination records to favour candidates who allegedly paid bribes.
Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, served as KPSC Examination Controller from February 2024 to March 2026. According to the investigation, he allegedly played a central role in manipulating the recruitment process for 400 Veterinary Officer posts, including access to question papers, alteration of OMR answer sheets and manipulation of interview marks.
Alleged Question Paper Leak
The CID probe reportedly found that Gangwar had access to the finalised questions for model papers before the Veterinary Officer examination. He allegedly leaked these questions to Basavaraj Kannale two days before the examination.
Kannale is accused of collecting money from candidates seeking appointments. Some candidates were reportedly called to his office in Rajajinagar and later taken to Tumakuru to appear for the examination.
OMR Sheets and Interview Marks Allegedly Altered
The alleged manipulation reportedly took place in two stages. Candidates who made advance payments were allegedly helped through changes in their OMR responses after the examination.
The investigation further alleges that interview marks were subsequently increased for selected candidates, helping them secure positions in the recruitment process.
The alleged bribe amounts ranged from ₹40 lakh to ₹80 lakh per candidate. CID teams are also examining banking transactions in Bidar and Bengaluru, with investigators suspecting that money moved through accounts linked to Kannale’s relatives before reaching Gangwar and some KPSC members.
At Least 29 Candidates Under Scrutiny
The CID has reportedly questioned at least 29 candidates, with seven recently questioned candidates allegedly admitting that they paid money to secure appointments.
One of the candidates under scrutiny is Sooguresh Jaka, who is related to former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar. Jaka reportedly secured 456.75 marks, despite having earlier failed two degree examinations before clearing them through compartment attempts.
The investigation is now examining whether similar irregularities occurred in other KPSC recruitment examinations.
Probe Expands Beyond Veterinary Officer Recruitment
CID investigators have reportedly recovered admit cards connected with the 2025 ‘B’ Group recruitment examination, along with photographs linking Kannale to candidates selected for Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) posts.
Authorities are also examining Kannale’s appointment as a Syndicate member of Tumakuru University in August 2025 and his overseas business interests.
The wider investigation is expected to determine whether OMR manipulation, advance access to question papers and interview mark manipulation formed part of a broader pattern within KPSC recruitment.
Political Fallout Over KPSC Recruitment
The allegations have also triggered a political response in Karnataka. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar alleged links between BJP/NDA leaders and the KPSC scam.
Shivakumar said detailed findings collected by the Home Department would be disclosed soon.
The CID investigation could have wider implications for the credibility of public recruitment examinations in Karnataka. If the allegations are established, the case would raise serious questions about examination security, merit-based recruitment and safeguards within institutions responsible for selecting candidates for government jobs.
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