KPSC recruitment case: Complaint alleges Rs 1,000 crore in corruption

A formal complaint has been submitted to the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) Bengaluru Zonal Office alleging large-scale corruption within the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment examinations. The complaint seeks the registration of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The allegations involve a systematic bribery and extortion racket related to the KPSC Gazetted Probationers (KAS) Examination 2023-24 and other recruitment processes. The complaint claims that organized bribery, question paper tampering, and the generation of unaccounted ‘proceeds of crime’ potentially exceeding Rs 1,000 crore occurred during the tenure of former KPSC office-bearers.

Irregularities are cited regarding the recruitment of 384 Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ Gazetted Probationer posts, including positions such as Assistant Commissioners, Tahsildars, and Deputy Superintendents of Police. The complaint alleges that tens of crores in cash were collected through intermediaries, including middlemen, staff drivers, and private coaching operators.

In connection with the ongoing investigation, KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar has been suspended, and former KPSC Controller of Examinations Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar has been arrested and questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Special Investigation Team.