Bengaluru: A candidate’s statement in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) veterinary officer recruitment case reportedly helped the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) trace the alleged links between suspended Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre and middleman Basavaraj Kannale.
The investigation concerns alleged irregularities in the recruitment of around 400 veterinary officers. Gangwar was the KPSC Controller of Examinations from February 2024 to March 2026, when the recruitment process was conducted. He was arrested by the CID on August 29 and subsequently suspended by the Karnataka government.
Candidate Allegedly Paid ₹20 Lakh as Advance
According to investigators, Mohammed Suhail Bandengol, a candidate selected for the veterinary officer post, told police that he received a WhatsApp call in December 2025 from an unidentified person who allegedly offered to ensure his selection in exchange for ₹40 lakh.
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The candidate reportedly agreed to the arrangement and paid ₹20 lakh in advance, with the remaining amount allegedly due after the selection list was announced.
Call Records Led Investigators to Alleged Middleman
CID investigators reportedly used technical evidence, including call-detail-record analysis, to identify the person who had contacted Suhail as Basavaraj Kannale.
The investigation subsequently found that Kannale was allegedly in frequent contact with Gangwar. Gangwar, however, has denied having any contact with Kannale, according to the report.
Key points from the investigation:
- The case involves alleged irregularities in recruitment for around 400 veterinary officer posts.
- A candidate allegedly received an offer of selection for ₹40 lakh.
- The candidate reportedly paid ₹20 lakh as an advance.
- CID’s technical analysis allegedly helped identify Basavaraj Kannale as the intermediary.
- Investigators found alleged communication between Kannale and Gangwar.
- Gangwar has denied contact with Kannale.
- Both Gangwar and Kannale have been arrested in connection with the case.
Probe Into Wider Recruitment Irregularities
The CID investigation has expanded beyond the alleged payment-for-selection arrangement. Investigators are examining allegations of question-paper leakage and manipulation of OMR answer sheets in the veterinary officer recruitment examination. Reports have also indicated that some candidates were allegedly taken to resorts for sessions linked to the examination.
Gangwar was arrested after questioning by the CID, while Kannale was detained at Delhi airport amid allegations that he was attempting to leave the country. A Bengaluru court subsequently granted the CID custody of both accused for further investigation.
The investigation remains underway, with the CID examining the alleged roles of other individuals connected with the KPSC recruitment process.
Read Also: KPSC Veterinary Officer Exam Case: IAS Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar Grilled for 21 Hours, Detained by CID
