Bengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday searched premises linked to IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Bengaluru and Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, as part of its money laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in a Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment examination. Officials said the searches were conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, is currently serving as Director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Karnataka’s Department of Industries and Commerce. He had earlier served as Controller of Examinations at the KPSC before being removed from the post in March this year.
The ED searched premises associated with the officer at both locations. It was not immediately clear whether Gangwar was present at either premises when the searches were carried out. The agency’s action is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to the recruitment examination.
‘Missing’ report had triggered controversy
The ED searches came a day after reports that Gangwar had been “missing” for several hours triggered controversy in Karnataka. The state Home Minister later dismissed the reports and said the officer was in his native place in Uttar Pradesh because of a family emergency related to his father’s health.
The latest searches have now brought the KPSC examination case back into focus. Investigators are examining whether financial transactions, assets or other monetary dealings were connected to the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.
The searches, however, do not by themselves establish that Gangwar was involved in any wrongdoing. The investigation is continuing, and any further action will depend on the evidence and records recovered during the searches.
ED had conducted searches on August 18
The latest action follows the first major round of ED searches in the case on August 18. At that time, the agency searched the KPSC office in Bengaluru as well as premises linked to former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, member Shanta Hosmani and several others.
The investigation is linked to alleged irregularities in the recruitment examination for veterinary officers. The ED is examining the financial aspects of the case to determine whether the alleged examination-related irregularities generated or involved proceeds that were subsequently concealed, transferred or used through financial channels.
The agency is also expected to examine records that could help establish links between individuals involved in the alleged irregularities and any suspicious financial transactions.
Examination process and financial trail under scrutiny
The investigation into alleged irregularities in a public recruitment examination is not limited to the conduct of the examination itself. Financial transactions involving candidates, intermediaries, officials or other persons connected to the process can also become relevant if investigators find evidence of illegal payments or movement of funds.
Gangwar’s previous position as Controller of Examinations at the KPSC could make records and administrative decisions from his tenure relevant to the investigation. However, his former position alone does not establish criminal involvement.
The ED’s focus will likely remain on documentary and electronic evidence, financial records and transactions that could help investigators establish whether the alleged examination irregularities had a wider financial dimension.
Investigation likely to widen
The August 18 searches and Sunday’s searches at premises linked to Gangwar indicate that the agency is expanding its investigation into the KPSC examination case. During the latest searches, investigators may examine documents, electronic devices, financial records and other material that could help establish the flow of suspected funds.
The next stage of the investigation will depend on what the agency finds during the searches and whether those findings reveal additional financial or personal links. Investigators are expected to reconstruct the financial trail and determine whether any suspicious transactions were directly connected to the alleged examination irregularities.
For now, the ED’s action has intensified scrutiny of the KPSC recruitment examination and its financial dimensions. The investigation will seek to establish whether the alleged irregularities were limited to procedural violations or were part of a wider arrangement involving organised financial transactions and possible money laundering.
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.
