Bengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally arrested suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and alleged intermediary Basavaraj Kannale in connection with suspected financial irregularities within the Karnataka Public Service Commission's (KPSC) veterinary officer recruitment. ED officials took them into custody this week after four days of questioning at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, where they were already held under judicial remand following an earlier CID arrest.
The agency presented both individuals before a special court, seeking their custody for further investigation into the financial aspects. Gangwar, who served as KPSC examination controller until March 2026, is a central figure in the alleged racket. The CID's initial probe revealed allegations of question paper leakage, manipulation, and intermediary involvement to facilitate candidate selection for large payments. Court documents indicate eleven candidates purportedly transferred approximately Rs 70 lakh through banking channels to intermediary-linked accounts, with a portion allegedly used for gold and diamond jewellery purchases.
The CID also investigated the alleged connection between Gangwar and Kannale, examining call records and CCTV footage to establish their association and track money movements. The ED's intervention now intensifies scrutiny on this suspected money trail. The agency previously searched multiple locations linked to KPSC officials, alleged middlemen, and candidates, and is currently examining assets potentially acquired using proceeds from the recruitment racket.
Concurrently, CID investigators are questioning KPSC member Dr. Shanta Hosamani regarding alleged irregularities in recruitment interviews. Dr. Hosamani appeared before the agency after a court rejected her anticipatory bail plea. The CID scrutinised phone calls between Hosamani and a KAS interview candidate, also conducting searches at her premises and analysing digital evidence for further irregularities. With both agencies pursuing distinct aspects, the investigation now targets examination manipulation, candidate payments, intermediary networks, and the movement of suspected illicit proceeds, with further actions anticipated.
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đź“° Source: Siasat Gulf