The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar and KPSC member BV Geeta in a money laundering case connected to a recruitment scam for 400 veterinary officer posts. This case involves large sums of money and leaked examination materials, exposing significant irregularities in the recruitment process.
- ED arrested KPSC chairman and member over money laundering linked to veterinary recruitment.
- Question papers and answer keys were leaked to candidates before the exam.
- Bribes ranged from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 40 lakh per candidate.
- Signed blank cheques worth Rs 80 lakh were recovered during the investigation.
- Investigation revealed systematic corruption and manipulation within KPSC.
What led to the arrests of KPSC officials?
The arrests followed an FIR registered at the Vidhana Soudha police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The Enforcement Directorate's Bengaluru Zonal Office is investigating irregularities in the Veterinary Officers Recruitment Examination. Custodial interrogation revealed deep-rooted corruption, including question paper leaks and bribery schemes involving KPSC officials.
How were the exam question papers and answer keys leaked?
Evidence showed that KPSC members and officials leaked question papers, candidate-specific answer keys, and the merit list to demand bribes. Some candidates received correct answer keys a day before the exam in exchange for bribes ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 40 lakh. Suspended chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar and member BV Geeta provided these leaked materials for illegal payments.
Who else was involved in the leak of confidential exam material?
The probe revealed that BV Geeta accessed leaked answer keys through Janendra Kumar Gangwar, IAS, the then Controller of Examinations (COE) at KPSC. Gangwar had custody of confidential exam materials and provided Geeta with correct answers for the first 80 questions based on seating arrangements and access to unedited papers.
What financial evidence was recovered during the investigation?
During the probe, the ED recovered signed blank cheques and promissory notes worth Rs 80 lakh from a successful candidate. Additionally, cash advances were seized: BV Geeta received Rs 20 lakh and Shivashankarappa Sahukar Rs 10 lakh from candidates as part of agreed bribes. These findings confirm the organized mechanism for generating illegal proceeds through recruitment manipulation.
How were candidates involved in the scam?
Investigations identified six candidates who scored higher marks in the final selection list due to the leaked answers. Around ten successful candidates were taken to a resort near Bengaluru a day before the exam, where they received question papers with correct answers for 80 questions to memorize or practice. The ED continues to investigate to identify all involved candidates.
What does this case reveal about KPSC recruitment processes?
The case exposes systematic corruption, including question paper leaks, bribery, and manipulation of merit lists within KPSC. It highlights the need for stricter controls and transparency in recruitment exams to prevent such illegal activities and ensure fair selection processes.
