Karnataka considers KPSC shutdown amid recruitment scam

The Karnataka government is considering shutting down the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) following allegations of widespread corruption and irregularities in recruitment processes. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the government is consulting legal experts to explore this possibility within the legal framework, alleging that rogue elements have infiltrated the commission.

In response to the controversy, the Karnataka High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a de novo investigation into the alleged veterinary officer recruitment scam. The SIT, led by senior IPS officer Alok Kumar, has been directed to complete its probe and submit a report within 100 days, with progress reports required every 30 days. The court declined a request to involve the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), opting instead for the SIT while directing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to cooperate with the investigation.

Parallel to the SIT probe, the Enforcement Directorate is investigating money laundering linked to the case. Suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar was recently remanded to six days of ED custody. Investigators allege that Gangwar and others conspired to leak veterinary officer recruitment examination papers in exchange for bribes, with allegations that significant sums of cash and gold were involved in the scheme.