FIR in alleged KPSC scam: OMR answer sheet manipulation, nepotism, question paper leak, alleged corruption
File photo of veterinary doctors near Vidhana Soudha police station to file a complaint of alleged corruption in KPSC veterinary officer recruitment exam.
The Vidhana Soudha police have registered an FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment process of 400 veterinary officers of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). A case was registered on July 24 for cheating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Fraud in Recruitment) Act, 2023, based on a complaint filed by Manjunatha, 30, a veterinary doctor.
The FIR names now-suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, other KPSC officials and 29 candidates who made it to the list.
Dr. In his complaint, Manjunatha alleged widespread irregularities in the recruitment process, including falsification of the OMR answer sheet, nepotism, leakage of question papers, leakage of candidates’ confidential information and involvement of middlemen who allegedly promised jobs in exchange for money.
“Question Paper Leak”
The complainant alleged that several candidates related to senior KPSC officials, including the suspended chairman, reached top positions despite allegedly having average academic results. He further alleged that the brokers took the candidates to hotels or resorts outside the examination centers where they were allegedly given questions with answers and training before being taken to the examination centers. The complainant demanded a detailed investigation into the movements and phone records of the candidates concerned.
Dr. Manjunatha also alleged that some candidates deliberately left most of the questions unanswered in their OMR sheets, raising suspicions that the sheets were later tampered with.
“Money South to Improve Scores”
The complaint further alleged that the brokers had access to confidential information about the shortlisted candidates, including their personal details and OMR scores, and contacted them with a demand of ₹80,000 in exchange for securing appointments. According to the complaint, the candidates were allegedly asked to pay ₹40 lakh as an advance, while the rest was to be paid after an arrangement.
The complainant stated that video and audio recordings relating to these alleged requests were presented as evidence. The complaint also referred to an earlier complaint filed with the KPSC on May 29, 2026.
The complainant alleged that confidential information about the candidates could only be accessed with the involvement of KPSC officials and sought a comprehensive investigation into the alleged role of senior officials, intermediaries and shortlisted candidates.
The FIR names more than 29 shortlisted candidates who, according to the complainant, require investigation in connection with alleged recruitment irregularities. It also lists 24 unsuccessful applicants, including the complainant, as victims of alleged misconduct.
Published – 26 Jul 2026 20:15 IST