Bengaluru: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Karnataka Police has arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers through the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
Gangwar, who served as KPSC Controller of Examinations from February 2024 to March 2026, was arrested after being questioned by the CID for two days. He is the first accused to be taken into custody in the case.
Investigators are examining his alleged role in the recruitment process, including the handling and processing of examination records. The probe is also looking into allegations of OMR sheet manipulation, candidate training at hotels and resorts, and the possible involvement of other officials, KPSC members, intermediaries and candidates.
What Is the KPSC Veterinary Officer Recruitment Scam?
The case concerns alleged malpractice in the recruitment examination conducted by KPSC for 400 veterinary officer posts.
The examination was held on January 8, 2026, while the final selection list was released on July 17.
Following allegations of irregularities, the CID began examining the examination process and records to determine whether any candidates were given an unfair advantage.
The investigation has since expanded beyond individual examination records to examine whether people associated with the recruitment process worked together to manipulate the outcome.
Why Was Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar Arrested?
Gangwar was Controller of Examinations at KPSC during the period covering the recruitment examination. The CID questioned him about his role in the examination and the procedures followed in handling the records.
Investigators have said that prima facie evidence points towards alleged irregularities involving examination documents, including suspected manipulation of OMR sheets.
The CID is examining whether decisions or actions taken during Gangwar’s tenure facilitated the alleged irregularities. His arrest does not by itself establish guilt, and the allegations will have to be established through the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.
CID Sends 329 OMR Sheets for Forensic Examination
One of the key areas of the investigation is the examination of candidates’ OMR answer sheets.
The CID has sent 329 OMR sheets to the State Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed examination. Investigators are seeking to determine whether any answer sheets were altered or manipulated after the examination.
The forensic analysis could also help establish whether irregularities in the examination records had an impact on the final selection list.
Investigators are examining how the OMR sheets were handled, stored and processed at different stages of the recruitment process.
Algoritha Security Launches ‘Make in India’ Cyber Lab for Educational Institutions
Were Candidates Trained at Hotels and Resorts?
The CID is also investigating allegations that certain candidates were provided training at hotels and resorts in connection with the recruitment process.
Investigators are trying to determine who organised the alleged training, who attended it and whether it had any connection with the examination or selection process.
If evidence establishes that candidates received information or assistance that gave them an unfair advantage, investigators could examine the involvement of those who arranged or facilitated the alleged activities.
Enforcement Directorate Searches Put KPSC Officials Under Scrutiny
Gangwar came under increased scrutiny after the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches as part of its investigation into the alleged KPSC scam.
He subsequently appeared before the CID and was questioned extensively about his tenure as Controller of Examinations.
The CID is examining material collected during searches and questioning to determine whether there are financial or other links between officials, intermediaries and candidates allegedly connected with the recruitment process.
Suspended KPSC Chairman Also Questioned
The CID has also questioned suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar in connection with the case.
Several other KPSC officials have reportedly been questioned as investigators attempt to establish the chain of responsibility surrounding the examination and selection process.
The agency is examining whether commission officials, examination personnel, intermediaries or candidates acted in coordination and whether any financial transactions were associated with the alleged malpractice.
Could More People Be Arrested?
Gangwar’s arrest is the first major custodial action in the investigation. The CID is now analysing forensic reports, examination records, search material and statements recorded during questioning.
Investigators are expected to compare the OMR findings with examination results and recruitment records to determine whether specific candidates benefited from alleged manipulation.
Officials, intermediaries or candidates could face further action if investigators find evidence linking them to the suspected irregularities.
What Happens Next in the KPSC Recruitment Probe?
The CID is continuing to examine the 329 OMR sheets sent for forensic analysis along with other examination and recruitment documents.
Investigators are also expected to trace any financial transactions that may be connected to the alleged recruitment irregularities and establish the roles of people who may have facilitated them.
The extent of the alleged malpractice and whether it affected the selection of veterinary officers will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation.
The case remains under investigation, and further arrests or legal action may follow if investigators establish additional links.
About the author- Ananya Aradhya writes on cybercrime, fraud, scams, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging threats. Her work also covers major criminal cases, financial frauds, consumer scams, and stories that highlight risks affecting people in the real and digital world.
