Karnataka CM Sanctions Prosecution of IAS Officer in KPSC Scam
D K Shivakumar approves prosecution of Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar over alleged question paper leaks, as investigators trace payments and prepare a chargesheet.
- CM approves prosecution sanction against suspended IAS officer
- KPSC exam paper leak allegations under investigation
- Candidates allegedly paid Rs. 20–80 lakh per paper
- CID chargesheet deadline set for November 26
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 24th Oct: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday granted prosecution sanction against IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in a case involving alleged corruption and irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment examinations.
In a post on X, Shivakumar said the government would not tolerate corruption that undermines public recruitment and the future of young candidates. He reiterated that transparency, accountability and integrity remained priorities for the administration.
The sanction allows investigators to move forward with prosecution proceedings against Gangwar under applicable laws, following the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.
IAS Officer Accused of Leaking Veterinary Officer Exam Papers
Gangwar, a 2016-batch Karnataka-cadre IAS officer, served as Controller of Examinations at the KPSC from January 2024 to March 2026. He was arrested on August 29, 2026, over allegations that question papers for the Veterinary Officer recruitment examination had been leaked.
According to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the papers for the examination held on January 8 and 9, 2026, for 400 Veterinary Officer posts were allegedly provided to at least 10 candidates who later appeared in the top 20 of the rank list. The final list was announced on July 17, 2026.
Investigators alleged that candidates were charged between Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 80 lakh per paper. The money was allegedly collected through middleman Basavaraj Kannale, who was arrested on August 30.
Investigators Trace Alleged Money Trail
The CID investigation reportedly found that Kannale collected money through Om Lakshmi Souharda Co-operative Society in Bidar. The funds were allegedly used to purchase gold jewellery worth Rs. 54 lakh, pay Rs. 11 lakh for Gangwar’s air tickets and arrange logistics for candidates.
Investigators further alleged that selected candidates were taken to a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where they were given access to the leaked question paper and made to memorise answers under Kannale’s supervision. On examination day, they were allegedly transported to their examination centres in vehicles arranged by the accused.
Gangwar and Kannale have been booked under Section 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 10 of the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means of Recruitment) Act, 2023, according to the case details. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating alleged money laundering.
Chargesheet Expected by November 26
The CID had sought government sanction under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which requires sanction to prosecute certain public servants.
A Bengaluru court had earlier rejected Gangwar’s bail plea, citing prima facie material indicating a money trail and concerns over possible evidence tampering, including the alleged destruction of a Xiaomi tablet linked to the offence.
The state government has also indicated that it is examining legal options concerning KPSC amid concerns over recruitment irregularities. Shivakumar has said the commission’s chairman and other officials are under scrutiny.
The CID is expected to file its chargesheet by November 26, within 90 days of the first arrest. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
