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A candidate who secured top rank across Karnataka in the Village Administrative Officer recruitment examination has come under administrative and police scrutiny following allegations of widespread cheating inside the examination hall. Shankar Bannur, a resident of Elepet in Hanagal taluk, secured 151.25 marks to claim the state first rank in the test conducted on October 4 at an examination centre in Shiggaon. Investigators are probing allegations that Bannur entered the venue with a mobile phone, took a seat in the rear row to evade detection, used Google Lens to scan the question paper, and searched online for answers before marking his optical mark recognition sheet.
Sharp Jump in Examination Marks Prompts Official Probe
Suspicion surrounding the candidate arose after authorities reviewed his performance in other recent recruitment drives. Less than three weeks prior to appearing for the Village Administrative Officer test, Bannur had taken the Karnataka State Reserve Police constable recruitment test, in which he secured only 25 marks. The massive disparity between his performance in the police examination and his top ranking in the administrative test prompted complaints to the authorities.
Following these complaints, the Executive Director of the Karnataka Examinations Authority, H. Prasanna, ordered a detailed verification of closed-circuit television recordings from the Shiggaon centre. Preliminary scrutiny of the security footage indicated that a mobile phone had been used inside the hall. Officials noted that entry verification procedures on the morning of the exam focused strictly on identity documents, which allegedly allowed the candidate to sneak the handset past the entrance checks undetected.
Candidate Questioned by Police Over Examination Conduct
Hanagal police subsequently summoned Bannur for interrogation. According to sources associated with the probe, the candidate admitted during questioning that he had carried a mobile device inside the test centre and used it during the examination. He reportedly stated that he intentionally chose a back-row desk to avoid drawing the attention of invigilators while using the device to scan questions and look up answers.
Despite the admission, Bannur defended his capability, asserting that he had appeared in roughly 45 competitive tests, including several banking recruitment examinations, and had achieved good scores in the past. He also stated that he was prepared to extend full cooperation to the ongoing inquiry.
Administrative Inquiry Initiated to Examine Security Lapses
The district administration has initiated a formal administrative inquiry to determine institutional responsibility. Haveri Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar confirmed that an inquiry is underway under the direct supervision of the Savanur Assistant Commissioner, noting that subsequent actions, including the potential filing of a police first information report, will depend on the final inquiry report. Haveri Superintendent of Police Yashodha Vantagudi stated that the police department is awaiting a formal complaint from authorities before initiating criminal proceedings.
Investigators are focusing on significant procedural lapses by the invigilation staff and the security personnel assigned to frisk candidates at the Shiggaon venue. The inquiry will determine how the device bypassed physical screening and whether examination centre staff facilitated or overlooked the malpractice.
