ED details alleged role of IAS officer and middleman

Bengaluru: The investigation into alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment has revealed details of how candidates were allegedly targeted and examination material supplied in exchange for money.

According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), IAS officer Gnanendra Kumar Gangwar, who was serving as KPSC examination controller, allegedly provided the veterinary officer recruitment question paper and answers to intermediary Basavaraj Kannale through a pen drive on January 7, ahead of the examination held on January 8 and 9.

The ED has alleged that Kumar received around ₹1.30 crore from Kannale for the leaked examination material. Investigators have also reportedly found that the officer purchased gold jewellery using alleged proceeds of the transaction. Kannale is suspected of acting as a key intermediary who identified candidates willing to pay for government jobs. Investigators said candidates were initially asked to pay up to ₹80 lakh, with the final amount allegedly negotiated to ₹30–40 lakh.

Some aspirants were allegedly given the question paper and answers before the examination. Investigators also found that certain candidates were asked to provide blank cheques and promissory notes. The CID has reportedly traced transactions involving 11 candidates who transferred around ₹80 lakh to accounts linked to Kannale. Several candidates were allegedly housed in four villas near Devanahalli before the examination.

Kannale had also reportedly served as a Syndicate member of Tumakuru University and was involved in the travel business. Meanwhile, the ED is probing KPSC member B.V. Geetha’s alleged role. Her residence was searched and she was arrested, though investigators have not disclosed conclusive details about her alleged financial dealings or involvement in a specific paper leak.

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