ED gets custody of former KPSC chief Sahukar, a member of Geetha in the veterinary recruitment scam

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

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), probing alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers through the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), arrested former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar and commission member BV Geetha and took them into 14-day custody for questioning.

ED officials took the duo into custody on Wednesday (October 7, 2026) based on alleged revelations made by IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, the accused, and Basavaraj Kannale, another accused.

According to sources, the investigation revealed alleged links between Sahukar, Geetha and other middlemen in the recruitment process. The ED is probing whether candidates were identified in advance, whether their merit positions and final selection were manipulated and whether money was collected in exchange for appointments.

Sources said the agency also traced the alleged contact between several candidates and the accused just two days before the exam. Statements by Gangwar and Kannale reportedly indicate that Sahukar, Geetha and KPSC members Shantha Hosamani and Elfrida D’Silva contacted the candidates around that time.

An investigation into the bank accounts reportedly showed financial transactions involving Sahukar, Geetha and Shantha. The accused initially described the transactions as ordinary financial deals. However, during intense interrogation, the investigators reportedly learned that 20-30% of the money collected from the candidates was given to Sahukar, Geetha and Shantha.

The ED is also probing the alleged network through which candidates’ mobile numbers were obtained from commission officials and used for round-the-clock contact.

ED officials are probing allegations that crores of rupees were extorted from candidates ahead of the exam, along with allegations of leaking question papers and violation of KPSC recruitment rules. Four separate FIRs were registered at the Vidhana Soudha police station in June and July in connection with the alleged irregularities.

The ED had earlier conducted searches on August 18 at Sahukar’s residence and KPSC office. During the three-day operation, officials seized recruitment-related documents, computer hard drives, CCTV footage and bank records. The agency returned to Sahukar’s residence two months later as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged money trail.

The investigation has now expanded beyond veterinary recruitment. Sources said the alleged irregularities surfaced in 13 recruitment processes, including the recruitment of around 400 posts and the appointment of veterinary officers in the fisheries department, water resources department, industrial extension, probation officers and block training in connection with the recruitment. The ED is also probing allegations that candidates were approached before exams, question papers were leaked and KPSC rules were violated.

Kannale is said to have identified candidates aspiring for the post of Government Veterinary Officer and assured them of getting them appointed. He initially demanded up to ₹80 lakh, but the deal was subsequently negotiated and finalized at around ₹30–40 lakh, depending on the candidate.

Investigators suspect that Kannale obtained the question papers through his contacts with Jnanendra. Candidates who paid the required amount were allegedly provided with a question and answer paper before the exam. The investigation also found that blank checks and drafts were allegedly collected from some candidates as collateral for transactions.

Probe found that Kannale allegedly acted as a key intermediary and personally contacted candidates and assured them of securing government jobs. Kannale and his associates allegedly identified candidates willing to pay money, while some candidates reached him through other intermediaries. Several candidates were reportedly accommodated in four villas near Devanahalli before the exam, where arrangements were made to provide them with the leaked question paper.

The investigation also revealed Kannale’s background. He was appointed as a member of the Tumakuru University Syndicate on the nomination of the Governor and received awards from private organizations. He was also involved in tourism.

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating Geetha’s alleged role, including whether she had direct contact with candidates and whether she played any role in alleged recruitment irregularities.

Published – 7 Oct 2026 21:19 IST