Archive · 24 Aug 2026
ED Raids IAS Officer’s Bengaluru, Bareilly Premises in KPSC Probe
The Enforcement Directorate searched homes connected to IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar.
The searches happened in Bengaluru and Bareilly on August 23.
They are part of an investigation into a Karnataka Public Service Commission exam for veterinary officers.
Investigators are looking into claims that middlemen demanded very large bribes from candidates.
They are also examining possible paper leaks and changes to answer sheets.
Another allegation concerns helping relatives of KPSC officials get selected.
Gangwar previously worked as the KPSC’s Controller of Examinations.
One report said his Bengaluru flat was locked and officials brought a locksmith, while other reports only said he was not known to be present.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said Gangwar was in Uttar Pradesh because his father was unwell and said there were no allegations against him at that time.
The Enforcement Directorate searched IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar’s premises in Bengaluru and Bareilly on August 23 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Gangwar is a 2016-batch IAS officer serving as Karnataka’s Director-MSME and previously served as KPSC Controller of Examinations.
One report said officials used a locksmith to enter Gangwar’s locked Bengaluru flat while he was absent; other reports said his presence was unknown.
The investigation concerns alleged bribe demands of Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh per candidate, paper leaks, OMR-sheet tampering and preferential selection of officials’ relatives.
The ED had earlier searched KPSC premises and locations linked to former chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, member Shanta Hosmani and others on August 18.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate searched premises linked to IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar; the wider investigation involves KPSC officials, former officeholders and alleged intermediaries.
- What
- The agency conducted searches in a money-laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in a KPSC veterinary officers recruitment examination.
- When
- The searches occurred on Sunday, August 23; the ED conducted an earlier round on August 18.
- Where
- Premises in Bengaluru’s Jayamahal area and Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, were searched.
- Why
- The investigation concerns alleged bribe demands, paper leaks, OMR answer-sheet tampering and assistance in selecting relatives of KPSC officials.
Minister’s Clarification
ED Investigation
Gangwar’s reported absence
Minister’s Clarification
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said reports that Gangwar was missing were untrue and that he was in Uttar Pradesh because of a family emergency involving his father’s health.
ED Investigation
The ED searched Gangwar’s Bengaluru and Bareilly premises. One report said his Bengaluru flat was locked and officials brought a locksmith; other reports said it was not known whether he was present.
Allegations against Gangwar
Minister’s Clarification
Kharge said there were currently no allegations against Gangwar and that the officer was open to an inquiry by any agency.
ED Investigation
The searches formed part of a wider money-laundering investigation connected to the KPSC recruitment case, but the reports do not say that Gangwar was charged.
Recruitment examination claims
Minister’s Clarification
The reported bribery, paper-leak, answer-sheet and favoritism allegations remain matters under investigation rather than established findings.
ED Investigation
The ED is examining alleged demands of Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh per candidate, possible paper leaks, OMR-sheet tampering and assistance in selecting relatives of KPSC officials.
- Investigating agency
- Enforcement Directorate
- Legal basis
- Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, according to one report
- Officer involved
- Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer
- Current post
- Director-MSME, Karnataka Department of Industries and Commerce
- Previous KPSC role
- Controller of Examinations; replaced in March
- Alleged bribe demand
- Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh per candidate
- Earlier searches
- The KPSC head office and premises linked to former chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, member Shanta Hosmani and others were searched on August 18
Sources
ED brings locksmith to raid locked flat of IAS officer in Karnataka PSC recruitment case
KPSC exam scam probe: ED raids IAS officer Gyanendra Gangwar’s Bengaluru, Bareilly premises over irregularities
IAS Officer's Bengaluru, UP Houses Raided In Karnataka Recruitment Scam Case
KPSC ‘scam’ case: ED raids IAS officer Gangwar’s premsies in Karnataka, UP
