DK Shivakumar Sanctions Prosecution of Gangwar IAS in KPSC Scam
Shivakumar said the government had taken a serious view of corruption affecting the credibility of the public recruitment system and reiterated its commitment to transparency and integrity in governance
BENGALURU: Prosecution sanction has been granted against IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangawar over his alleged involvement in Karnataka Service Public Commission (KPSC) job recruitment irregularities linked to filling-up of 400 veterinary officers’ posts.
Disclosing the prosecution sanction against Gyanendra Kumar, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday stated “Our government will not tolerate any wrongdoing that jeopardises the future of our youth or undermines their faith in a fair and transparent recruitment process.” He asserted “Our government will not tolerate corruption or shield the guilty.”
Continuing, the Chief Minister said “Every (job) aspirant deserves a fair opportunity based on merit and hard work. We are committed to ensuring transparency, integrity and accountability in public recruitment and governance and to upholding the rule of law without fear or favour.”
Accused Gyanendra Kumar is booked under various sections of Bharatiya NyayaSanhita, 2023 at Vidhana Soudha police station, Bengaluru city based on multiple First Information Reports (FIRs).
Subsequently, Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bengaluru Zonal Office also began its investigation in the job irregularities under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and during the course of investigation, ED sleuths gathered details that another accused Basavaraj Kannale obtained access to the leaked question paper related to veterinary officers recruitment examination through his close association with Gyanendra Kumar, then Controller of Examinations, KPSC who was entrusted with the custody and supervision of confidential examination material.
ED investigations revealed an amount of about Rs 80 lakh was initially demanded from each candidate which was later negotiated and settled at amounts ranging from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh per candidate.
Investigations further led to details such as selected candidates (bribed) were taken to a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru where they were provided with the leaked question paper containing correct answers. The candidates were made to memorise the answers and on the following day that is one the date of examination, the bribed candidates were transported to their respective examination centres in vehicles arranged by accused Basavaraj Kannale/his associates. Gynendra Kumar was arrested by ED on September 18 and the Court remanded him to 14-days judicial custody.
