CID arrests IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in KPSC veterinary recruitment case

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Karnataka Police on Saturday arrested Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in connection with the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). This is the first arrest in the case, which has drawn significant public attention to the integrity of recruitment processes in the state.

Mr. Gangwar, who served as the Controller of Examinations at the KPSC from February 2024 to March 2026, was taken into custody after two days of questioning. The CID said that prima facie evidence had been found indicating his role in the alleged malpractice. This includes material related to suspected manipulation of OMR answer sheets used in the selection process.

The recruitment examination was conducted on January 8, 2026, and the final selection list was released on July 17. Soon after, allegations of malpractice emerged, leading to a detailed probe. As part of the investigation, the CID has sent 329 OMR sheets of candidates who appeared for the examination to the State Forensic Science Laboratory for examination. The forensic analysis is expected to determine whether tampering occurred and identify any patterns of manipulation.

In addition to the OMR issue, the CID is looking into allegations that certain candidates were provided training at hotels and resorts as part of the recruitment process. Investigators are examining whether such arrangements were intended to influence the selection results. This aspect of the case could reveal connections between candidates, middlemen, and officials within the KPSC.

Mr. Gangwar's arrest comes days after the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted searches in connection with the case. The ED is separately examining the financial dimensions of the alleged irregularities. Mr. Gangwar had voluntarily appeared before the CID earlier and was questioned extensively about his tenure as Controller of Examinations, including the conduct of the examination and the handling of answer sheets.

The CID has also questioned suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar and several other officials. According to sources, the investigating agency is scrutinising the roles of additional officials, commission members, and candidates. More arrests are likely as the investigation progresses, the CID has indicated.

The KPSC is a constitutional body responsible for conducting recruitment examinations for civil services and various government posts in Karnataka. The alleged irregularities in the veterinary officer recruitment have led to concerns about the effectiveness of the commission's oversight mechanisms. Several political leaders and civil society groups have called for a thorough and transparent inquiry to restore public confidence.

Legal experts have stressed that Mr. Gangwar, like any accused, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The evidence collected by the CID, including forensic reports and witness statements, will be subject to legal scrutiny. The investigation is ongoing, and the CID has appealed to the public to share any information that may assist in the inquiry.

The case has reignited discussions on the need for reforms in public recruitment systems to prevent such alleged irregularities and to ensure that merit remains the sole criterion for selection.