The Karnataka government has suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar following his arrest in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers.
The action was taken amid an ongoing investigation by the Crime Investigation Department (CID), as questions continue to be raised over the transparency, fairness and credibility of the recruitment process. Gangwar was sent to judicial custody after his arrest and was later taken into police custody for further questioning.
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Gangwar’s Role In KPSC Under Scanner
Gangwar, a 2016-batch Karnataka-cadre IAS officer originally from Uttar Pradesh, was serving as director of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department under the state Commerce and Industries Ministry. At the time of the alleged irregularities, he was serving as Controller of Examinations at the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), bringing his role in the recruitment process under the CID’s scrutiny.
The state government issued the suspension order based on a report submitted by the CID. According to the report, Gangwar was produced before a magistrate on August 30 and was subsequently sent to judicial custody. The CID later obtained his custody for further investigation. The government said Gangwar had remained in custody for more than 48 hours and that the allegations against him were linked to the integrity and fairness of the recruitment process conducted by the KPSC.
What Does The Suspension Order Say?
Under the suspension order, Gangwar has been suspended with immediate effect under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. The suspension will remain in force until the completion of the CID investigation or until further orders. During the suspension period, he will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per the applicable rules. He will also not be permitted to leave his headquarters without prior written permission from the state government.
ED Searches And CID Investigation
The case had also come into focus following searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The agency carried out searches at Gangwar’s residences in Uttar Pradesh and Bengaluru. He was not present at either location during the searches. He subsequently appeared before the CID for questioning and was later arrested in connection with the recruitment-related investigation.
The entrance examination for the veterinary officer posts was conducted on January 8, while the final selection list was released on July 17. Three First Information Reports (FIRs) have so far been registered in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. Investigators are examining whether the examination or selection procedure was manipulated and whether any candidates were given an undue advantage.
Why Are 329 OMR Sheets Being Examined?
As part of the investigation, the CID has sent the OMR answer sheets of 329 candidates who appeared for the examination to the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
The forensic examination is intended to establish whether the allegations of manipulation or other irregularities in the examination process have any factual basis.
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What Will The Forensic Probe Establish?
The forensic inquiry followed a complaint by an unsuccessful candidate who questioned the selection of 29 candidates. Investigators are examining the answer sheets and related records to determine whether there were discrepancies in the marking process or any other form of interference with the examination material.
The OMR analysis is considered a significant part of the investigation because forensic examination could help determine whether the answer sheets were altered, tampered with or subjected to any other irregularity. Investigators are also examining recruitment records and other evidence to establish the full extent of the alleged manipulation and identify the roles of individuals who may have been involved.
Gangwar’s suspension comes as the CID continues to examine documents and evidence linked to the recruitment process. The government has made it clear that the suspension will remain effective while the investigation is pending. The allegations against Gangwar, however, will have to be established through the investigation and subsequent judicial proceedings.
