The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the Bengaluru and Bareilly residences of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in connection with the KPSC recruitment scam.

  • ED searched premises of IAS officer Gangwar in Bengaluru and Bareilly.
  • The investigation pertains to alleged irregularities in KPSC veterinary officer recruitment.
  • Allegations involve candidates paying ₹70-80 lakh for appointments.
  • Gangwar served as KPSC Controller of Examinations during the recruitment.

Bengaluru/Bareilly: In a major escalation of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment scam investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday, August 23, 2026, conducted raids at the residential premises of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar. The searches were carried out in both Bengaluru and his hometown in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Mr. Gangwar, who currently serves as the MSME Director, held the critical position of Controller of Examinations at the KPSC during the period when the controversial veterinary officer recruitment examination was conducted. The recruitment process has been under intense scrutiny following allegations of massive irregularities and claims that candidates were coerced into paying exorbitant sums to secure positions.

Read Also:International 'Boss Scam' Network Targeting Corporate Employees Busted in Gujarat

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that these raids signal a tightening noose around the administrative machinery involved in the recruitment process. When high-ranking officials like IAS officers come under the scanner, it highlights systemic vulnerabilities in state-level recruitment boards. The focus on the 'Controller of Examinations' role suggests that investigators are looking closely at the procedural integrity of the exams themselves.

The investigation into high-ranking bureaucrats marks a critical phase in uncovering the financial networks behind recruitment corruption.

The raid in Bengaluru witnessed significant drama. An ED team, accompanied by CRPF personnel, arrived at Mr. Gangwar's apartment in three vehicles. Initial resistance was met from security personnel who had locked the gates, claiming they had no instructions to allow entry. After a two-hour standoff and communication with Mr. Gangwar, officials were eventually permitted into the complex, though the residence itself was found locked.

With Mr. Gangwar's mobile phone switched off and his absence from the residence, the ED team had to engage a professional key maker to gain access to the apartment. A neighbor was also present to witness the opening of the premises to ensure legal transparency.

Historical Background

The KPSC scam investigation has been ongoing for several months, with previous searches conducted at the residence of former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukal. The core of the investigation revolves around allegations that candidates were asked to pay between ₹70 lakh and ₹80 lakh to secure veterinary officer appointments, creating a massive money-laundering trail that the ED is now attempting to map.

Earlier this week, Mr. Gangwar's brief disappearance from Bengaluru had sparked rumors, though Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge clarified that the officer had traveled to Uttar Pradesh due to a family medical emergency involving his father.

Did You Know?: In high-profile PMLA cases, the ED often uses digital forensics to recover deleted communications that might link officials to bribery networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the specific role of IAS Gangwar in this case?
He was the Controller of Examinations during the veterinary officer recruitment, which is the subject of the investigation.

2. Has any bribe been confirmed against him?
As of now, there is no confirmed information establishing that he personally accepted bribes; he is being questioned regarding his role during the examination period.