Bengaluru, Karnataka: The investigation into alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment examination for 400 veterinary doctor posts has widened, with investigators identifying 12 aspirants who allegedly paid money to obtain assistance in clearing the examination.
The probe has reportedly traced around ₹80 lakh in bank transactions involving candidates and alleged middleman Basavaraj Kannale, while investigators suspect that the total amount collected from aspirants could be close to ₹10 crore.
The investigation is now examining the alleged role of candidates, intermediaries, officials and others connected with the recruitment process.
KPSC Exam Fraud Probe Widens After Arrests
The investigation gained momentum after investigators questioned former KPSC Controller of Examinations Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and Kannale for around 10 days.
Both were arrested in connection with alleged manipulation of the recruitment examination. Their police custody subsequently ended, and they were sent to judicial custody.
Investigators suspect that Kannale received payments from around 24 aspirants, with individual candidates allegedly paying between ₹30 lakh and ₹80 lakh for assistance.
So far, approximately ₹80 lakh in transactions have reportedly been traced through bank accounts. Investigators are examining additional accounts to establish the complete financial trail.
Unusually High Scores Raised Suspicion
The alleged examination fraud came under scrutiny after investigators noticed an unusual pattern in the results.
According to the FIR, 29 aspirants who had performed poorly in their college examinations scored more than 450 out of 500 in the recruitment examination. The unusually high marks raised questions about whether some candidates had received advance access to examination material or other assistance.
Around 1,400 candidates appeared for the examination for 400 veterinary doctor vacancies. The examination was conducted at three centres in Bengaluru, with 329 candidates eventually selected.
The case reportedly came to the authorities’ attention following a complaint by a veterinary doctor who was not selected.
Question Papers Allegedly Leaked Before Exam
Investigators have alleged that examination question papers were selectively leaked to certain candidates one day before the examination.
According to the probe, some of the candidates who allegedly received the papers were accommodated at resorts in and around Bengaluru, where they were allegedly helped in preparing answers before appearing for the examination.
Intermediaries allegedly arranged accommodation and transportation for some candidates and helped coordinate their movement to the examination centres.
Resorts Allegedly Used To Prepare Candidates
Investigators have identified locations where candidates allegedly received the leaked examination material, including a resort in Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
Accommodation records, candidate movements and communications are being examined to determine how the alleged operation was organised.
Investigators have also reportedly found indications that examination papers were shared in both handwritten and printed forms.
The role of intermediaries is being examined beyond distributing the alleged leaked material. Police suspect that they also coordinated communication, accommodation and transportation while limiting direct contact between candidates and other members of the alleged network.
Digital Evidence And IPDR Records Under Scanner
Technical evidence is also being examined as investigators attempt to establish links between the accused.
Analysis of Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDR) has reportedly revealed communication links between Gangwar and other accused persons before and after the veterinary examination.
Investigators are examining the timing and frequency of these communications to determine whether they correspond with the alleged question-paper leak and distribution.
Several suspects who remain untraceable are also being investigated. Lookout notices have reportedly been issued against some individuals, including KPSC member Shantha Hosamani, who is alleged to have contacted certain aspirants in connection with the recruitment process.
Proposal for Conducting Cyber Crisis Drill, Tabletop Exercise (TTEx) & CCMP Readiness Exercise
Suspended KPSC Chairman’s Role Examined
Investigators are also examining the role of suspended KPSC chairman Sahukar S Shivashankarappa in the alleged recruitment fraud.
His anticipatory bail pleas have reportedly been rejected by the courts.
According to the investigation, authorities have found prima facie indications of communications and links involving the suspended chairman, some members of his family and the arrested intermediary. These links are being examined alongside the financial and digital evidence.
Investigation Focuses On Wider Recruitment Network
With 12 aspirants already identified and financial transactions being traced, investigators are now attempting to establish the full chain of the alleged examination fraud.
The probe is examining candidates who allegedly paid money, intermediaries who allegedly facilitated cheating, individuals connected with the examination process and the financial channels through which the suspected proceeds were moved.
Further analysis of bank accounts, communication records and digital evidence could determine whether additional candidates or officials were involved.
What This Means For You: Recruitment examinations depend on confidential question papers, secure examination systems and transparent selection procedures. Alleged leaks and paid assistance can undermine the process not only for candidates who qualify honestly but also for public institutions that depend on merit-based recruitment.
The420 Insight: The financial trail could be as important as the examination evidence in this case. If investigators establish how the alleged ₹10-crore network collected and moved money, it could help connect candidates, intermediaries and individuals allegedly linked to the recruitment process.
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.
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