Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has granted sanction to prosecute Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, in a case involving alleged corruption and large-scale irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment examination. The case relates to the alleged leak of question papers for the Veterinary Officer recruitment examination held in January 2026.
The prosecution sanction allows the investigation to proceed towards prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act and other relevant laws. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating the alleged examination leak, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also probing suspected money laundering.
Shivakumar said the state government would not tolerate corruption that undermines the credibility of public recruitment and affects the future of young candidates.
D K Shivakumar Announces Prosecution Sanction Against IAS Officer
In a post on X, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar confirmed that permission had been granted to prosecute Gangwar in connection with the KPSC recruitment scam.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Shivakumar said there would be no protection for those involved in corruption.
He stated, “No Room for Corruption, No Protection for the Guilty,” adding that the government would not tolerate actions that jeopardise the future of young people.
The Chief Minister also said corruption that damages public trust in the recruitment system would be dealt with seriously and that there would be no leniency for actions that undermine integrity in administration.
Read also: ED Examines Flat Linked to Family of Arrested IAS Officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in KPSC Case
Who Is Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar?
Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar is a 2016-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Karnataka cadre. He served as the Controller of Examinations at the Karnataka Public Service Commission from January 2024 to March 2026.
Gangwar was arrested on August 29, 2026, in connection with the alleged leak of question papers for the KPSC Veterinary Officer recruitment examination. He was subsequently suspended.
The case centres on allegations that examination papers were leaked to candidates ahead of the recruitment test, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in the selection process.
KPSC Veterinary Officer Exam Paper Leak: What the CID Investigation Found
According to the CID investigation, Gangwar allegedly leaked question papers for the Veterinary Officer recruitment examination conducted on January 8 and 9, 2026. The examination was held to fill 400 posts.
Investigators alleged that at least 10 candidates received the leaked papers and subsequently figured among the top 20 candidates in the ranking list. The final selection list was announced on July 17, 2026.
The agency also found allegations that candidates were charged between ₹20 lakh and ₹80 lakh per paper in exchange for access to the question papers.
These allegations form a key part of the investigation into suspected manipulation of the recruitment process.
Middleman Basavaraj Kannale Arrested in the Case
Investigators have identified Basavaraj Kannale as an alleged middleman in the recruitment scam. He was arrested on August 30, 2026, a day after Gangwar’s arrest.
According to the investigation, Kannale allegedly collected money from candidates through the Om Lakshmi Souharda Co-operative Society in Bidar.
The CID investigation further alleged that the money was used for several purposes, including:
- Purchasing gold jewellery worth ₹54 lakh.
- Paying ₹11 lakh for air tickets for Gangwar.
- Arranging logistics for candidates allegedly involved in the examination paper leak.
Investigators also alleged that selected candidates were taken to a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where they were provided with the leaked question paper and instructed to memorise the answers under Kannale’s supervision.
On the day of the examination, the candidates were allegedly transported to their respective examination centres in vehicles arranged by the accused.
Charges Under Karnataka Public Examination Law and BNS
Gangwar and Kannale have been booked under Section 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to cheating, and Section 10 of the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means of Recruitment) Act, 2023.
The Enforcement Directorate is separately investigating suspected money laundering linked to the alleged collection and use of money in the case.
The CID had approached the state government for prosecution sanction under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which provides for government sanction in certain prosecutions involving public servants for acts connected with their official duties.
The sanction granted by the government removes this procedural hurdle for the prosecution to proceed, subject to applicable legal requirements.
Bengaluru Court Had Earlier Rejected Gangwar’s Bail Plea
A court in Bengaluru had earlier rejected Gangwar’s bail application. The court cited prima facie material indicating a money trail and concerns about possible interference with evidence.
The investigation also raised allegations concerning the destruction of a Xiaomi tablet that was reportedly used in the offence. The issue was cited as part of the concerns over potential evidence tampering.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and the accused are entitled to due process of law.
Karnataka Government Considers Legal Options on KPSC
The Karnataka government has also indicated that it is examining legal options concerning the future of the Karnataka Public Service Commission amid allegations of widespread irregularities.
Chief Minister Shivakumar has said that the KPSC chairman and other officials are under scrutiny as the government considers steps to address concerns over the recruitment system.The case has intensified questions about examination security, accountability within recruitment institutions, and the need to protect the interests of candidates seeking government jobs.
CID Chargesheet Deadline Set for November 26
The CID is expected to file its chargesheet by November 26, 2026, within 90 days of the first arrest, according to the information provided in the case.
The investigation is focused on the alleged question paper leak, the collection of money from candidates, and the suspected role of individuals involved in facilitating access to the examination papers.
The prosecution sanction is a significant development in the case as investigators move towards filing the chargesheet and pursuing legal proceedings against the accused.
