Bengaluru: The legal troubles of former Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivaraj Shankarappa Sahukar have deepened after police launched a fresh criminal investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Veterinary Officers. Already facing controversy over the appointments of his daughters to government posts, Sahukar has now been accused of manipulating the recruitment process through favouritism, bribery, misuse of confidential examination material and alleged tampering of OMR answer sheets to benefit selected candidates.
The Vidhana Soudha Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Sahukar, certain KPSC members and others following a complaint filed by Veterinary Officer Dr. Manjunath. The complaint alleges that the recruitment process for 400 Veterinary Officer posts was manipulated to favour relatives and candidates who allegedly paid money to secure government jobs.
The latest case comes shortly after the Karnataka Governor suspended Sahukar from the post of KPSC Chairman over allegations that he had used his position to facilitate the appointment of his two daughters as Industrial Extension Officers despite an apparent conflict of interest. The Governor also referred the matter to the President of India under Article 317 of the Constitution for further action. In a related case, one of Sahukar’s daughters has been accused of obtaining reservation benefits using an allegedly forged income certificate and has already secured anticipatory bail.
According to police, the present case relates to the Veterinary Officer recruitment examination conducted in January 2026. The complaint claims that nearly 29 candidates secured appointments through illegal means. It alleges that confidential examination information was leaked to middlemen, who coached selected candidates in advance, while OMR answer sheets were allegedly altered after the examination to improve scores.
The complaint also names Suguresh Jak, described as a relative of the former KPSC Chairman. Investigators are examining allegations that confidential candidate data and OMR-related information were unlawfully accessed and shared with intermediaries involved in the alleged recruitment racket.
The controversy intensified after an audio clip purportedly discussing an ₹80 lakh payment in exchange for a Veterinary Officer post surfaced on social media. While the authenticity of the recording has not yet been established, police have included it in the ongoing investigation.
Investigators said they are examining digital evidence, recruitment records, evaluation data, OMR answer sheets and other documents to determine whether the selection process was systematically manipulated. The probe will also examine the possible involvement of middlemen or organised networks in influencing the recruitment process. Statements of the complainant, selected and unsuccessful candidates, as well as KPSC officials, are expected to be recorded in the coming days. Police will also issue notices to those named in the FIR.
The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to cheating, along with relevant sections of the Karnataka Public Examinations Act. Investigators are attempting to establish whether the recruitment process was deliberately compromised and whether illegal financial transactions took place in exchange for government appointments.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said recruitment to public service must remain transparent, fair and credible, adding that no one should be allowed to jeopardise the future of students and job aspirants. He also called for stronger legal safeguards at both the state and national levels to protect the integrity of recruitment examinations. Additionally, Kharge questioned the circumstances surrounding Sahukar’s appointment and the support he had received in earlier legal proceedings, saying those issues should also be subjected to public scrutiny. Police said further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
