KPSC veterinary recruitment scam widens as ED joins probe

Bengaluru: The investigation into alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission’s (KPSC) veterinary officer recruitment examination has intensified, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) joining the probe alongside the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The ED is reportedly questioning key accused Basavaraj Kannale and IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar as investigators examine the alleged paper leak, candidate manipulation and suspected crores of rupees in financial transactions. According to investigators, a group of candidates was allegedly taken in special cabs from Rajajinagar and Majestic to a resort in Devanahalli before the examination. The candidates were allegedly provided assistance in preparing answers, which were subsequently taken to examination centres on the day of the test.

Some candidates allegedly trained by Kannale are also accused of selling the leaked question paper to other aspirants near examination centres for amounts ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The CID has reportedly seized CCTV footage from the resort, along with the vehicles and Kannale’s car, as part of its efforts to establish the sequence of events. A resort security guard is also being treated as an important witness.

Investigators have questioned more than 400 people, including KPSC personnel, accused persons and candidates suspected of paying money. The probe has also focused on mobile phones and pen drives allegedly used to store crucial evidence. Investigators suspect that some devices may have been thrown.

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The Hans India