Archive · 1 Sep 2026
CID Arrests BJP Leader in Karnataka KPSC Recruitment Scam
Investigators in Karnataka are looking into claims that a government job examination was unfairly changed.
The exam was for 400 Veterinary Officer jobs.
Officials suspect that some question papers or answer sheets may have been manipulated.
BJP leader Basavaraj Kannale and IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar have been arrested in the case.
A court allowed investigators to keep questioning them until September 9.
Two alleged middlemen were previously arrested.
Investigators say some candidates may have paid money to improve their chances.
The CID is checking answer sheets, phone records and CCTV footage.
Another agency is also examining the money involved.
The Karnataka CID arrested BJP leader Basavaraj Kannale in the alleged KPSC Veterinary Officer recruitment scam.
IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, a former KPSC Controller of Examinations, was also arrested and named an accused.
A Bengaluru court remanded Gangwar and Kannale to CID custody until September 9.
Investigators are examining alleged question-paper leaks, OMR-sheet manipulation and payments by selected candidates.
The recruitment involved 400 Veterinary Officer posts, while 658 OMR sheets were sent for forensic examination.
- Who
- The Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department, IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, BJP leader Basavaraj Kannale, alleged middlemen and selected candidates are involved in the investigation.
- What
- The CID is investigating alleged irregularities, including question-paper leaks, OMR-sheet manipulation and payments, in a KPSC Veterinary Officer recruitment examination.
- When
- The examination was held on January 8 and its final list was published on July 17; Gangwar and Kannale were later arrested, with CID custody ordered until September 9.
- Where
- The case concerns Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment in Karnataka; Kannale was detained in the national capital and his Bengaluru residence was searched.
- Why
- The investigation began after complaints about alleged irregularities in the recruitment process and suspected attempts to sell or alter examination results.
Investigation Allegations
Accountability and Due Process
Alleged examination manipulation
Investigation Allegations
The CID is investigating claims that question papers were leaked and OMR answer sheets were manipulated to benefit candidates.
Accountability and Due Process
The accused have been detained or arrested for questioning, but the allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and court process.
Scope of the probe
Investigation Allegations
Investigators are examining the Veterinary Officer recruitment as well as possible irregularities involving KAS officers and Deputy Superintendents of Police.
Accountability and Due Process
Karnataka minister Karandlaje has argued that a Central Bureau of Investigation probe is needed to ensure transparency, accountability and public confidence.
Candidate involvement
Investigation Allegations
The CID has reportedly identified 29 selected candidates as accused and said around 20 candidates may become approvers; investigators also allege that selected candidates paid money.
Accountability and Due Process
The reports do not provide the candidates' responses, and their alleged involvement has not been finally established by a court.
- Recruitment posts
- 400 Veterinary Officer positions in the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department
- Examination date
- January 8
- Final list
- Published on July 17
- Alleged price
- Middlemen allegedly demanded Rs 80 lakh per post, including a Rs 40 lakh advance
- Forensic evidence
- 658 OMR sheets were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory
- Court custody
- A Bengaluru court granted CID custody of Gangwar and Kannale until September 9
- Other investigation
- The Enforcement Directorate is examining the money trail
