Candidates for KPSC veterinary exam paper illegally selected, applicants paid Rs 40 lakh in bribes: ED probe

Bengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said that its probe indicated that candidates in the veterinary officers’ recruitment examination conducted by Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) for 400 posts were illegally selected after being provided with questions and answers in exchange for bribes.

The central agency, in its official statement, said Basavaraj Kannale, a key suspect who is in its custody, had accessed the leaked question paper through his association with IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, who was the then controller of examinations (KPSC) and was responsible for the custody and supervision of confidential exam material.

“Material was gathered indicating that Kannale, along with his associates, facilitated the illegal selection of candidates in the examination by providing them with the leaked question paper containing correct answers in consideration of illegal gratification,” ED alleged.

Kannale then identified and approached multiple candidates and assured them of their selection. ED’s investigation also revealed that Rs 80 lakh was demanded from candidates, but settlements were reached — ranging from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh per candidate — following negotiations.

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A part of the amount was collected as advance through cash and banking channels.

Blank signed cheques

ED’s probe also revealed that to secure the balance, some candidates were made to furnish blank signed cheques and promissory notes. ED recovered them during the searches.

Investigation revealed that the bank account of Om Lakshmi Souharda Sahakari Sangha Niyamitha, Bidar, was utilized for receiving certain amounts connected with the aforesaid illegal gratification.

ED alleged that selected candidates were taken to a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where they were provided with leaked questions and answers and were made to memorise them under Kannale and his associates’ supervision.

On the exam day in January, the candidates were taken in vehicles arranged by Kannale and associates.

The probe revealed that Gangwar misused his official position and facilitated the leak.

The question papers and answers were given to Kannale by Gangwar a day before the exams for “illegal gratification”.

Analysis of material seized during searches from August 18 to 24 revealed that the proceeds generated were subsequently layered and utilized through various modes, including bank transfers, purchase of gold jewellery, cash payment for air travel and cash transactions, with the object of concealing the nature and source of the proceeds and projecting the same as untainted property, the ED said.

Gangwar, who was arrested on September 18, remains in extended custody of the ED, while Kannale, who was arrested on September 17, was sent to the agency’s custody for 14 days on Tuesday.