The investigation into the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) irregularities intensifies as former chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar appears before the CID. High-ranking officials and several candidates are under the scanner.
- Former KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar surrendered to CID.
- IAS officer Gnanendra Kumar Gangwar issued notice by CID and ED.
- Allegations include fake income certificates and paper leaks at resorts.
- Dual probes by CID and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are underway.
Bengaluru: In a significant development in the ongoing Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) scandal, former chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Thursday. His appearance follows a series of notices issued by investigative agencies after intensive searches and raids across several locations.
The investigation has cast a wide net, reaching deep into the state's administrative hierarchy. The CID has issued notices to IAS officer Gnanendra Kumar Gangwar, who served as the Controller of Examinations at the KPSC between February 2024 and March 2026. Gangwar, who was recently transferred to the MSME department, had previously been reported missing during the initial stages of the probe. Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting a parallel investigation into the financial irregularities linked to the scam.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the KPSC scandal represents a profound crisis of institutional integrity. When the very mechanism designed to ensure meritocracy is compromised by nepotism and bribery, it undermines the entire foundation of public administration and disenfranchises millions of hardworking aspirants.
The integrity of public service recruitment is the cornerstone of a functional democracy; any breach here is an attack on the social contract.
The controversy gained momentum following an FIR against Suma S. Sahukar, the daughter of the former chairman. She is accused of submitting a fraudulent income certificate to claim benefits under the 3B reservation category. While the High Court had previously set aside her suspension, the Governor has re-suspended her following a recent State Cabinet recommendation.
Furthermore, a separate FIR has been lodged regarding the recruitment for 400 posts in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. Veterinary doctors have alleged a highly organized bribery racket, claiming candidates were taken to a private resort where they were allegedly provided with question papers and answer keys in advance.
Historical Background
The KPSC has faced periodic allegations of mismanagement over the years. However, the current scale of the investigation, involving multiple agencies like the CID and ED, indicates a systemic level of corruption that suggests widespread collusion between influential individuals and commission officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is being investigated in the KPSC case?
The investigation includes former KPSC officials, IAS officers like Gnanendra Kumar Gangwar, and several candidates accused of securing marks through fraudulent means.
2. What are the main allegations?
The allegations include the use of fake reservation certificates, bribery, and organized paper leaks during competitive examinations.