CID questions alleged beneficiaries of KPSC recruitment scam

Officials of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have expanded the scope of the probe into the veterinary officers’ recruitment scam to include alleged beneficiaries suspected of having secured selection through unfair means. The CID has recorded the statements of many such candidates, some of whom have reportedly confessed to examination malpractice and paying for it. A few are also said to be willing to turn witnesses in the case, sources said. However, CID officials have remained tight-lipped.

Meanwhile, officials have intensified the questioning of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, former Controller of Examinations of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), and alleged middleman Basavaraj Kannale, both of whom are in CID custody in connection with the case.

Officer blames middleman 

Sources said that during questioning, Mr. Gangwar reportedly told CID officials that he had no direct role in the scam and that it was handled by Kannale. He claimed to have never spoken directly to any of the candidates and had not negotiated any financial transactions with them. He is said to have denied directly taking the printed question paper out of the system. Sources said he told investigators that the series of questions prepared in advance was later used to print the final question paper after receiving the necessary instructions and approval.

Mr. Gangwar reportedly admitted before the CID that the question paper was printed only after he gave his consent and approval, raising further questions about the extent of his role in the alleged KPSC recruitment scam. His communication with the alleged middleman is being probed. 

The CID is now expected to confront Gangwar with the statements and evidence collected against Kannale and other suspects to establish the chain of communication and responsibility in the question paper leak. The officials earlier raided Kannale’s house and recovered documents related to the scam which is being verified. 

Meanwhile, CID officials suspect that Kannale was also involved in other recruitment exams as well, which will be probed later.