KPSC veterinary officer recruitment scam: Gangwar, Kannale remanded in 14-day judicial custody

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

After spending 10 days in CID custody, IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and his alleged associate Basavaraj Kannale were produced before a court on Wednesday (September 9) and remanded in judicial custody for 14 days in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).

The CID produced the duo before the first ACMM court after completing their custodial interrogation. The investigative agency told the court that it is not seeking their detention at this time, but reserves the right to request their detention again if necessary during the course of the investigation.

After hearing the CID’s submission, the court sent Gangwar and Kannale to judicial custody for 14 days.

Gangwar, an IAS officer, served as Controller of Examinations in the KPSC from February 2024 to March 2026 before being transferred as director of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in June. He was questioned by the CID before the arrest in connection with the case.

Kannale, who was arrested by the CID team in Delhi, is a member of the Tumkur University Syndicate and was linked to the BJP in Bidar. His photos with several BJP leaders, including Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra and CN Ashwath Narayan, BJP MLA, surfaced on social media.

The CID suspects that Kannale may have played a key role in the alleged irregularities and is probing his connection with Gangwar and his alleged involvement in the recruitment process.

The investigation also focused on the alleged tampering with Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets, tampering or destruction of CCTV footage and possible tampering with other crucial evidence.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is separately investigating alleged recruitment irregularities. The agency has issued notices against KPSC member Shanta Hosamani at airports after she allegedly became untraceable following ED searches on August 18 and did not respond to her notices.

The CID also searched the offices and houses of both the accused and allegedly recovered incriminating documents related to the money trail.

Published – 09 Sep 2026 21:50 IST