Bengaluru:A city court on Monday remanded IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and Tumakuru University syndicate member Basavaraj N Kannale to 10 days of CID custody in connection with alleged irregularities in a veterinary examination conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
IAS Gangwar was arrested after appearing before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), while Kannale was detained in Delhi on Sunday evening.
The investigation centres on allegations of a question paper leak, manipulation of OMR sheets and attempts to help selected candidates clear the examination through alleged middlemen.
IAS Officer Gyanendra Gangwar Arrested After CID Appearance
Gangwar, who was serving as the Controller of Examinations at KPSC at the time of the examination, appeared before the CID as part of the investigation.
He was subsequently arrested.
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According to the public prosecutor, Gangwar was arrested on Saturday night because investigators alleged that he had not cooperated with the probe.
The prosecution opposed a request for bail made on his behalf, arguing that there was no medical emergency warranting his release.
Defence Seeks Bail on Health Grounds
Gangwar’s counsel sought bail on health grounds, telling the court that the IAS officer suffers from a disc bulge and asthma and requires medical treatment.
The public prosecutor opposed the request.
According to the prosecution, Gangwar had already undergone a medical examination and there was no immediate medical emergency that required him to be released from custody.
The court subsequently allowed the CID to take both accused into custody for 10 days.
Basavaraj Kannale Detained in Delhi
Basavaraj N Kannale, a syndicate member of Tumakuru University, was detained in Delhi on Sunday evening in connection with the same investigation.
The CID is examining his alleged role in the examination irregularities and his reported communication with Gangwar during the examination process.
Investigators have allegedly obtained documents that they believe establish the involvement of the two accused in the alleged question paper leak.
CID Claims Evidence of Communication Between Gangwar and Kannale
One of the key aspects of the investigation is the alleged communication between Gangwar and Kannale during the examination.
According to the CID, Kannale was allegedly in constant contact with Gangwar during the examination.
The investigating agency has also claimed to have recovered incriminating documents relating to their alleged involvement in the question paper leak.
The nature and evidentiary value of these documents will be examined during the ongoing investigation.
The allegations, however, remain part of the investigation and will be subject to further judicial scrutiny.
Candidates Allege Question Paper Leak and OMR Tampering
The case came to the fore following complaints from candidates who appeared for the veterinary examination.
The complainants have alleged that the question paper was leaked to selected candidates before or during the examination process.
They have also alleged that OMR answer sheets were tampered with to benefit certain candidates.
Another serious allegation concerns the role of alleged middlemen, who reportedly demanded large sums of money from candidates in exchange for helping them clear the examination.
According to the complaints, middlemen allegedly demanded between Rs 70 lakh and Rs 80 lakh from candidates.
These allegations form a key part of the investigation being conducted by the CID.
Gangwar Was KPSC Controller of Examinations
Gangwar’s position at the time of the examination has brought particular focus on his alleged role in the case.
The IAS officer was then serving as Controller of Examinations at KPSC, placing him in a position connected with the conduct and administration of examinations conducted by the commission.
Investigators are examining whether his position was misused and whether there was any official involvement in the alleged leak or other irregularities.
The CID’s allegations regarding his communication with Kannale and the documents reportedly recovered by the agency are expected to form part of the investigation during the custody period.
ED Also Waiting to Question Gangwar
The case has also attracted the attention of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).
According to the report, the ED is waiting for the completion of Gangwar’s CID custody before questioning him separately.
The ED’s interest adds another layer to the investigation, although details of the specific aspects it intends to examine were not disclosed.
Gangwar’s questioning by the CID is expected to continue during the 10-day custody period, while investigators examine the alleged examination irregularities and the financial aspects surrounding the claims.
Who Is Basavaraj N Kannale?
Basavaraj N Kannale is a syndicate member of Tumakuru University.
Apart from his university position, he is involved in travel and real estate businesses.
He is also associated with a national political party, where he reportedly holds a functionary position.
His alleged connection with Gangwar during the examination has brought him under investigation in the KPSC case.
The CID is now expected to question him about his alleged communications with the former KPSC examination controller and the documents that the agency claims to have recovered.
10 Days of CID Custody for Detailed Investigation
The court’s decision to grant the CID 10 days of custody provides investigators time to question both accused and examine the evidence gathered so far.
The agency is expected to investigate several aspects, including the alleged question paper leak, possible manipulation of OMR sheets, the communication between the accused and the alleged involvement of intermediaries.
The financial allegations — particularly claims that candidates were asked to pay Rs 70-80 lakh to secure favourable treatment — could also be an important part of the probe.
At present, the allegations against Gangwar and Kannale remain under investigation, and their alleged involvement will have to be established through evidence and the judicial process.
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