ED searches home of IAS officer linked to KPSC recruitment probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday (August 23, 2026) conducted searches at the residential premises of Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, an IAS officer currently serving as Director of MSME, in connection with the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).

Mr. Gangwar had served as Controller of Examinations at KPSC when the recruitment examination for veterinary officers was held. The probe has focused on allegations of large-scale malpractices, including claims that candidates were asked to pay between ₹70 lakh and ₹80 lakh to secure appointments.

According to reports, an ED team arrived at Mr. Gangwar's apartment in Bengaluru in three vehicles, accompanied by personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Security personnel at the apartment initially prevented the officials from entering, stating they had no instructions to allow anyone inside. The officials reportedly spent nearly two hours at the premises while trying to gain access.

It was only after the ED team contacted Mr. Gangwar that the security staff permitted them entry into the complex. However, the officials found the apartment locked and Mr. Gangwar absent. His mobile phone was reportedly switched off. The team then summoned a key maker to prepare a duplicate key and arranged for a neighbour to be present as a witness when the door was opened.

The development comes a day after Mr. Gangwar returned to Bengaluru from his hometown in Uttar Pradesh, where he had been unreachable for nearly two days. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge had earlier said that the IAS officer had travelled to Uttar Pradesh to meet his ailing father and that his absence was linked to a family emergency.

The ED has been investigating the KPSC recruitment process for several months. Previous searches have been conducted at the residence of former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukal and at premises linked to veterinary officers. The allegations have cast a shadow over the recruitment exercise for veterinary officers, which has also been challenged in court by some candidates.

While Mr. Gangwar's role as examination controller has placed him under scrutiny, there is no confirmed information that he has been formally accused of accepting bribes or participating in the alleged irregularities. Sources emphasised that the investigation is at an active stage and that the searches are part of the process of gathering evidence.

The ED's action underscores the widening scope of the probe into alleged corruption in public recruitment. The Karnataka government has stated it will extend full cooperation to the investigating agencies. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.