Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Kharge Vows No-Nonsense Probe Into Alleged KPSC Recruitment Irregularities
Investigators are looking into claims that a government recruitment exam in Karnataka was not conducted fairly.
The exam was for veterinary officer positions through the Karnataka Public Service Commission.
The CID arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and Basavaraj Kannale.
Gangwar had been the commission’s Controller of Examinations during part of the period being examined.
Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the investigation would be strict and that evidence would not be weakened.
Investigators are checking exam papers, answer sheets, officials’ actions and financial records.
Some reports allege that candidates were given questions and answers at a resort, but these claims are still part of the investigation.
Kharge said claims about irregularities in other exams have not yet been confirmed.
The CID arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and Basavaraj Kannale in an alleged KPSC veterinary-officer exam irregularities case.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said strong evidence and witnesses would not be diluted, regardless of political or official connections.
Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, was suspended after allegedly serving as KPSC Controller of Examinations from February 2024 to March 2026.
The CID is examining examination records, OMR sheets, officials’ roles and Kannale’s financial transactions; 17 allegedly linked bank accounts were reportedly frozen.
The Enforcement Directorate is conducting a separate investigation, while allegations involving other KPSC exams and paper leaks remain unconfirmed.
- Who
- The CID, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and Basavaraj Kannale; suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar also appeared before CID officials, according to sources.
- What
- An investigation is examining alleged irregularities in the KPSC recruitment examination for veterinary officers, including possible mishandling of records and OMR sheets.
- When
- The report was published on September 5, 2026; Gangwar was suspended on Thursday, and Sahukar appeared before CID officials that night, according to sources.
- Where
- The investigation concerns the Karnataka Public Service Commission in Karnataka; Kharge made his comments in Kalaburagi.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating allegations that examination procedures were manipulated, including claims that some candidates received question papers with answers.
Government’s Position
Concerns Under Investigation
Integrity of the probe
Government’s Position
Kharge says the evidence and witnesses are strong and that no evidence will be diluted, regardless of whether those involved are officials or political figures.
Concerns Under Investigation
The allegations include possible involvement by officials and people connected to high-ranking KPSC figures; investigators are examining their roles.
Extent of irregularities
Government’s Position
The government says it is investigating the current case and has acted under the Karnataka Public Examination law; Kharge said other alleged exam irregularities are not confirmed.
Concerns Under Investigation
Sources allege that candidates may have received question papers with answers and that some high-scoring candidates were related to people in senior KPSC positions.
Future of KPSC
Government’s Position
Kharge said the government is processing only 908 of 74,000 vacancies through KPSC and questioned the commission’s handling of large-scale recruitment exams.
Concerns Under Investigation
The allegations have raised concerns about the fairness of a system used by candidates, including people from middle- and lower-income families, seeking government employment.
- Investigating agency
- The CID is investigating the alleged KPSC recruitment irregularities.
- Separate investigation
- The Directorate of Enforcement is separately investigating and has raided premises linked to Gangwar.
- Arrests
- IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and Basavaraj Kannale were arrested.
- Gangwar’s KPSC role
- He served as Controller of Examinations from February 2024 to March 2026, according to the report.
- Government vacancies
- Kharge said the government has called for filling 74,000 vacancies, with 908 sent to KPSC for processing.
- Exam participation
- Kharge said about 35 lakh people are writing these examinations.
- Frozen accounts
- Sources said 17 bank accounts allegedly linked to Kannale, relatives and friends were reportedly frozen.
