KPSC ‘scam’: CID arrests IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar

IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Karnataka Police on Saturday arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers, making him the first accused to be arrested.

Mr Gangwar, who served as Controller of Examinations in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) from February 2024 to March 2026, was taken into custody after two days of questioning. CID officials are likely to make several more arrests as the investigation progresses and the alleged roles of other officials, KPSC members and candidates are also probed.

The IAS officer was produced before a magistrate at his residence on Sunday evening and was remanded in judicial custody. The CID is likely to seek his custody on Monday.

Investigators reportedly found prima facie evidence pointing to Mr. Gangwar’s role in the alleged irregularities, including material related to the suspected manipulation of OMR sheets. The CID is also investigating allegations that certain candidates were given training at hotels and resorts as part of the recruitment process.

The exam was held on 8 January 2026 and the final select list was released on 17 July. Following allegations of malpractice, the CID sent 329 OMR sheets of the candidates who had appeared for the examination to the State Crime Laboratory for examination.

Mr. Gangwar’s arrest follows days of investigation after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches in connection with the alleged KPSC scam. He subsequently appeared before the CID and was extensively questioned about his tenure as Controller of Examinations.

The CID also questioned suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar and several officials in connection with the case.

Published – 30 Aug 2026 19:24 IST