A CID investigation has revealed that the suspended KPSC chairman, Sahukar Shivashankarappa, and his son were in constant contact with middlemen via encrypted calls. The probe highlights a massive scam involving the leak of veterinary officer exam papers for massive bribes.

  • Suspended KPSC Chairman Sahukar Shivashankarappa and his son allegedly used encrypted calls to communicate with middlemen.
  • The scam involved leaking veterinary officer exam papers in exchange for bribes up to Rs 80 lakh.
  • CID found candidates were trained at luxury resorts using leaked questions prior to exams.
  • Karnataka High Court dismissed the chairman's anticipatory bail plea.

Bengaluru: The investigation into the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment scam has taken a dramatic turn. The CID inquiry has uncovered evidence that the suspended chairman, Sahukar Shivashankarappa, and his son maintained frequent communication with middlemen and candidates through encrypted internet calls to facilitate the illegal leak of examination papers.

During a hearing at the Karnataka High Court on Monday, Public Prosecutor B.N. Jagadeesha presented findings showing that Shivashankarappa and his family members were in close contact with Basavaraj Kannale, a businessman already in custody. The investigation further alleges that the chairman connived with the KPSC Controller of Exams, IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar, to manipulate the selection process for 400 veterinary officer positions.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such high-level administrative corruption poses a terminal threat to the meritocracy essential for a functioning democracy. When the very institutions designed to ensure fair competition are weaponized for private gain, it disenfranchises millions of hardworking aspirants and erodes public faith in the state machinery.

The use of encrypted calls and luxury resorts for 'training' suggests a level of premeditation and sophistication that points toward a deep-seated criminal syndicate within the commission.

The CID's investigation, utilizing Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDR), revealed suspicious communication patterns between the chairman and the exam controller, particularly on the days the entrance exams were conducted. The prosecutor emphasized that the chairman not only misused his official position but also allegedly allowed his family members to utilize KPSC office resources for these illicit activities.

Historical Background

The KPSC has long been under the scanner for various recruitment irregularities. Over the years, multiple allegations of favoritism, paper leaks, and political interference have surfaced, leading to several judicial probes. This current scandal involving veterinary officer recruitment is one of the most significant due to the direct involvement of top-tier administrative officers.

The scale of the operation was revealed to be massive, with middlemen reportedly taking payments via both cash and bank transfers. The CID has already moved to seize bank accounts linked to the accused to trace the money trail.

Did You Know?: Candidates involved in the scam were reportedly housed in hotels and resorts to practice answering the leaked questions a day before the actual exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Who is being investigated in the KPSC scam?
Answer: The primary suspects include suspended KPSC chairman Sahukar Shivashankarappa, IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar, and businessman Basavaraj Kannale.

Question 2: What was the method used to leak the papers?
Answer: Middlemen provided handwritten and printed versions of the question papers to selected candidates prior to the examination.