Bengaluru, September 30 (TNA) The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Basavaraj Kannale and suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, the former Controller of Examinations of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), in connection with the alleged leakage of the Veterinary Officers’ Recruitment Examination question paper.
According to the agency, Kannale was arrested on September 17, while Gangwar was taken into custody on September 18. Both have been remanded to 14 days of ED custody by the Special PMLA Court in Bengaluru.
Alleged Bribe-for-Paper Network
The ED has alleged that the question paper was leaked in return for illegal gratification ranging from ₹30 lakh to ₹40 lakh per candidate. Investigators are examining the alleged money trail and the role of intermediaries who reportedly contacted candidates willing to pay for access to the examination material.
The agency has alleged that Gangwar provided the question paper and answers to Kannale before the examination. According to the investigation, the material was allegedly shared with selected candidates through printed copies and encrypted communication channels.
Money Trail Under Probe
The ED told the court that Kannale allegedly collected around ₹1.50 crore from candidates and handed over approximately ₹1.30 crore to Gangwar in cash. The agency is investigating the alleged proceeds of crime, fund transfers and other assets linked to the case.
Investigators have also alleged that some candidates were taken to a resort near Devanahalli before the exam, where they were allegedly given access to leaked question papers and were given coaching before being taken to the examination centres.
Recruitment Process Under Scrutiny
The case relates to the KPSC recruitment examination for Veterinary Officers conducted earlier this year. Investigations by the Karnataka CID and ED have reportedly found that several questions were leaked before the examination and that the alleged leak may have helped certain candidates secure high ranks. The arrests and remand proceedings are part of the ongoing investigation. The allegations against the accused are yet to be proved in court.