KPSC Scam Probe Reveals Paper Deal Claims And Resort Exam Network

The Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment scam has taken another serious turn, with the Criminal Investigation Department intensifying its probe into alleged irregularities in the veterinary officer examination.

The investigation has focused on former examination controller and IAS officer Jnanendra Kumar and alleged intermediary Basavaraj Kannale, both of whom have been arrested in connection with the case. A court has reportedly granted the CID custody of the accused for 10 days to enable further investigation.

Investigators are examining allegations that question papers were obtained before the examination and sold to candidates for substantial amounts. The probe reportedly indicates that more than 29 candidates were involved in arrangements where money was allegedly collected in advance in exchange for access to examination material.

According to the allegations cited in the CID remand application, Kannale and Jnanendra knew each other from their earlier association in Bhalki. Investigators suspect that Kannale used this relationship to obtain examination material and subsequently approach prospective candidates.

The alleged deals were reportedly negotiated at an office in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru. Investigators are also examining WhatsApp communications and financial transactions that allegedly formed part of the arrangement.

The case has drawn particular attention because the examination process allegedly extended beyond regular examination centres. According to the investigation, some candidates were taken to locations including resorts in Bengaluru, Devarayanadurga in Tumakuru and parts of Andhra Pradesh, where they allegedly wrote the examination under special arrangements.

The CID is now looking closely at the role played by the candidates themselves. Ten candidates, including a candidate identified as Suhail, have reportedly expressed their willingness to admit their involvement and cooperate with investigators as prosecution witnesses.

Statements from six candidates have already been recorded, while the CID is seeking legal advice on whether the candidates can formally be treated as approvers in the case. Their statements could potentially help investigators establish how the alleged paper distribution and payment network operated.

The remand application also provides an indication of how investigators have categorised the accused. Former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar has been identified as A1, while commission members have been listed as A2, officials as A3, the 29 candidates as A4 and Jnanendra Kumar as A5.

The investigation is not limited to statements and physical evidence. The CID is examining bank accounts, mobile phones and other digital evidence as part of its effort to trace communications and financial transactions connected to the alleged recruitment scam.

The alleged involvement of an IAS officer and the reported participation of multiple candidates have added further seriousness to the case. Investigators are expected to examine whether more people were involved and how examination material could have been accessed before the scheduled test.

With candidate statements, financial records and digital evidence now being examined together, the CID probe is likely to provide a clearer picture of the alleged recruitment network in the coming stages of the investigation.