ED searches former KPSC chairman's residences in vet recruitment scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches at three residences in Kalaburagi as part of a wider investigation into irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers in Karnataka. Two of the premises belong to Shivashankarappa Sahu, former chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), and one belongs to Vijayalakshmi Kobalakar, Assistant Director of the Shahapur Social Welfare Department.

The searches began at around 8 a.m. at Mr. Sahu's residences in Anand Nagar and Karuneshwar Nagar. The premises were secured by personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), with security tightened in the surrounding areas. A team of more than 10 ED officials conducted the operation, which continued for several hours. Around 1.30 p.m., officials were seen leaving the premises carrying bags containing documents and other material.

Later, the ED team searched Ms. Kobalakar's residence in Oza Layout. Officials examined documents and information related to financial transactions during the search.

The action in Kalaburagi was part of a larger operation conducted at 13 locations across Karnataka, according to sources. The ED's investigation focuses on the financial aspects of the recruitment scam, including money trails, transactions, and related evidence.

The recruitment of 400 veterinary officers has come under scrutiny following allegations of question paper leaks, manipulation of OMR sheets, and demands for money from candidates. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is independently investigating these allegations. The ED's involvement adds a layer of scrutiny into the financial dimensions of the case, which could reveal larger networks of corruption.

The searches at the residences of a former KPSC chairman and a government official indicate that the investigating agencies are examining the role of officials who may have been involved in the recruitment process. While the ED has not issued an official statement about the findings, the seizure of documents suggests that the agency is gathering evidence to trace the flow of funds and identify beneficiaries.

This case has drawn public attention due to the scale of the alleged irregularities and the involvement of high-ranking officials. The government has assured that action will be taken against those found guilty, and the CID is expected to file a detailed report after completing its investigation.

The ED's searches on Tuesday mark a significant step in the investigation, as they signal a move beyond the initial probe into the criminal aspects of the scam to its financial underpinnings. Further developments are awaited as the agencies continue their work.