Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has intensified its investigation into the alleged ₹80 lakh cash-for-job recruitment scam linked to the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) by transferring two First Information Reports (FIRs) to the Crime Investigation Department (CID). The move came hours after Opposition leaders demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Veterinary Officers. Officials believe the transfer to the CID will enable a more comprehensive probe into the alleged corruption network, financial transactions and the possible involvement of insiders within the Commission.
The two FIRs were initially registered at the Vidhana Soudha Police Station. The first case was based on a complaint filed by the Department of Animal Husbandry regarding alleged irregularities in the recruitment process, while the second stemmed from a complaint lodged by a Veterinary Officer aspirant. The transfer of both cases to the CID was ordered by the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) to ensure a detailed investigation into the allegations.
Investigators are probing claims that candidates were allegedly asked to pay up to ₹80 lakh in exchange for securing appointment as Veterinary Officers through the KPSC recruitment process. The probe is focused on identifying the alleged masterminds behind the racket, tracing the movement of money and determining whether any serving or former KPSC officials played a role in facilitating the alleged fraud.
Police have decided to further interrogate two arrested middlemen—Sikandar Chaudhary, a headmaster from Vijayapura, and Arif Mohammed Mulla from Bagalkot district—who are suspected of playing a significant role in the alleged recruitment network. According to investigators, the duo allegedly approached candidates with promises of ensuring selection in return for substantial payments.
The arrests followed a complaint filed by a KPSC Assistant Secretary alleging that Arif Mohammed Mulla had approached aspirants claiming he could provide answers during the written examination for ₹70 lakh. During the investigation, police reportedly traced a transfer of ₹1.5 lakh from a candidate’s bank account to Sikandar Chaudhary’s account, prompting authorities to freeze the account and examine additional financial transactions linked to the accused.
Although the accused have reportedly claimed that they merely misused the KPSC’s name to deceive candidates without having any actual influence over the recruitment process, investigators remain unconvinced. Police suspect the middlemen may have maintained connections with individuals inside the Commission who could have assisted in executing the alleged fraud. As a result, investigators are examining whether any serving KPSC officials or employees facilitated the recruitment racket or shared confidential information with the accused.
A covertly recorded audio conversation has also emerged as a key piece of evidence in the investigation. According to officials, the recording allegedly captures one of the accused demanding ₹80 lakh for securing a Veterinary Officer post, including an advance payment of ₹40 lakh. The audio was reportedly obtained during a sting operation conducted with the assistance of a student organisation and a job aspirant. Police have initiated the process of collecting the accused’s voice sample for forensic examination at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to verify the authenticity of the recording.
Investigators are also analysing bank records, digital communications and electronic evidence to establish whether the alleged recruitment racket extended beyond the currently identified suspects. Officials believe the financial trail and forensic evidence could reveal additional beneficiaries and uncover a broader network involved in manipulating the recruitment process.
The alleged recruitment controversy has already triggered significant political attention in Karnataka. At present, three separate cases are linked to the alleged KPSC recruitment irregularities. While the CID will now investigate the first two FIRs, another case reportedly involving allegations connected to the daughter of the KPSC Chairman remains pending before the Karnataka High Court. Police are awaiting judicial directions before taking further investigative steps in that matter.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation will continue to focus on identifying all individuals involved, verifying allegations of corruption and ensuring accountability in the recruitment process. The outcome of the CID probe is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the alleged irregularities were the result of isolated misconduct or part of a larger organised recruitment scam.
