KPSC vet recruitment scam: CID widens probe to candidates who allegedly paid for selection

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has widened its investigation into the alleged recruitment scam in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) for veterinary officers. Officials are now questioning candidates suspected of securing positions through unfair means. Several such individuals have had their statements recorded, with some reportedly admitting to paying for the question paper and using it during the examination. A few are said to be willing to turn witnesses, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

While CID officials have not made any public statements on the progress, the questioning is part of an ongoing probe into a larger network involving officials and middlemen. The department is also intensifying its interrogation of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, former Controller of Examinations at KPSC, and alleged middleman Basavaraj Kannale. Both are currently in CID custody in connection with the case.

During questioning, Mr. Gangwar has reportedly told investigators that he had no direct role in the scam and that the alleged malpractice was handled by Kannale. He claimed he never spoke directly to any candidate and had no financial negotiations with them. He also denied personally taking the printed question paper out of the system.

Sources said Mr. Gangwar told the CID that the question paper was printed from a pre-prepared series of questions after he received the required instructions and approval. He reportedly admitted that his consent and approval were given before the printing, a statement that raises further questions about his involvement in the alleged leak.

The CID is expected to confront Mr. Gangwar with the statements and evidence gathered against Kannale and other suspects. Investigators aim to establish the full chain of communication and responsibility in the question paper leak. Earlier, officials conducted a raid on Kannale’s residence and recovered documents connected to the scam, which are now being verified.

The investigation has also revealed that Kannale might have been involved in other recruitment examinations conducted by KPSC. Officials have indicated that these matters will be probed at a later stage.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of transparency in public recruitment processes. The CID continues to examine the roles of all individuals linked to the scam, and further arrests or questioning cannot be ruled out as the probe deepens.