CID questions alleged beneficiaries of KPSC recruitment scam

Karnataka Public Service Commission office in Bengaluru. | Photo credit: File photo

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials have widened the scope of the investigation into the veterinary officer recruitment scam to include alleged beneficiaries suspected of securing selection through unfair means. The CID has recorded the statements of many such candidates, some of whom allegedly confessed to malpractice in the examination and paid for it. Some are also said to be willing to turn witnesses in the case, sources said. However, CID officials remained tight-lipped.

Meanwhile, officials have intensified questioning of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, former controller of examinations of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), and alleged middleman Basavaraj Kannale.

The policeman blames the middle man

Sources said that during interrogation, Mr. Gangwar allegedly told CID officials that he had no direct role in the scam and that Kannale was handling it. He claimed that he never spoke directly to any of the candidates and did not negotiate any financial transactions with them. He is said to have denied that he had directly removed the printed question paper from the system. Sources said he told investigators that a series of pre-prepared questions were later used to print the final question paper after receiving the necessary instructions and approvals.

Mr. Gangwar reportedly admitted before the CID that the question paper was printed only after he had given his approval and consent, raising further questions about the extent of his role in the alleged KPSC recruitment scam. His communication with the alleged intermediary is being investigated.

The CID is now expected to confront Gangwar with the statements and evidence collected against Kannale and other suspects to establish the chain of communication and accountability in the leak of questions. Officials earlier raided Kannale’s house and recovered documents related to the scam, which is being verified.

Meanwhile, CID officials suspect that Kannale was also involved in other recruitment exams, which will be probed later.

Published – 01 Sep 2026 21:27 IST