Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Joshi Alleges Karnataka Government Shielding Officer in KPSC Scam
A recruitment exam in Karnataka is being investigated for alleged cheating and illegal payments.
Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar was the exam controller at the time.
Reports said he was missing, but the state home minister said he was in Uttar Pradesh for a family emergency.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused the Karnataka government of protecting him.
Joshi wants investigators to question Gangwar.
The Enforcement Directorate has reportedly searched places connected to him.
The Karnataka Cabinet has also recommended suspending the KPSC chairman.
These claims and the officer’s whereabouts remain part of the ongoing dispute.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused Karnataka’s Congress government of shielding missing IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar.
Gangwar was KPSC Controller of Examinations when the veterinary officer recruitment examination was held.
The Enforcement Directorate reportedly raided premises linked to Gangwar in Bengaluru and Uttar Pradesh.
Joshi demanded that Gangwar be traced and produced before the ED or Criminal Investigation Department.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said Gangwar was in Uttar Pradesh because of a family emergency involving his father’s health.
- Who
- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, the Karnataka Congress government, and state Home Minister Priyank Kharge are central to the report.
- What
- Joshi alleged that the Karnataka government was shielding Gangwar, who was reportedly linked to alleged irregularities in a KPSC recruitment examination.
- When
- The allegations were reported on a Friday; Kharge’s statement that Gangwar was in Uttar Pradesh was made on August 22.
- Where
- The alleged recruitment irregularities concern Karnataka; reported ED searches involved Bengaluru and Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- Joshi said Gangwar’s questioning by the ED or CID could reveal information about the alleged recruitment scam and possible government involvement.
Joshi’s allegations
State’s explanation
Gangwar’s whereabouts
Joshi’s allegations
Pralhad Joshi alleged that government machinery was protecting Gangwar and demanded that he be traced and handed to investigators.
State’s explanation
Priyank Kharge said Gangwar was in Uttar Pradesh dealing with a family emergency involving his father’s health.
Government involvement
Joshi’s allegations
Joshi alleged that the Karnataka government was a participant and beneficiary of the alleged KPSC recruitment scandal.
State’s explanation
The report gives no response from the Karnataka government directly addressing Joshi’s allegations, but records the state’s explanation for Gangwar’s absence.
Investigator access
Joshi’s allegations
Joshi said questioning Gangwar by the ED or CID could expose the alleged recruitment irregularities and possible involvement by government figures.
State’s explanation
The report does not state whether Gangwar was questioned or whether the state agreed to Joshi’s demand.
- Officer
- Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, former Controller of Examinations at the Karnataka Public Service Commission
- Investigation
- The Enforcement Directorate reportedly raided premises linked to Gangwar in Bengaluru and Uttar Pradesh.
- Allegations
- The veterinary officer recruitment examination faced allegations of large-scale irregularities and illegal collections from job aspirants.
- Joshi’s demand
- He called for Gangwar to be traced and produced before the ED or Criminal Investigation Department.
- KPSC action
- The Karnataka Cabinet decided to recommend suspending KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar.
- Court development
- The Karnataka High Court had quashed Sahukar’s earlier suspension and directed his reinstatement, while allowing fresh proceedings under the prescribed procedure.
- State explanation
- Priyank Kharge said Gangwar was in his native place in Uttar Pradesh because of his father’s health-related family emergency.