Bengaluru, September 22 (Daily Kiran) : The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has submitted its progress report on the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment case to the Karnataka government and the trial court. The report details alleged corruption in the recruitment of veterinary officers, including cash transactions and the involvement of intermediaries.
Among those mentioned in the report is arrested BJP leader Basavaraj Kanale, who allegedly played a significant role in the scam. The CID has traced or seized over ₹1.5 crore in cash, along with approximately ₹22 lakh in gold and diamond jewelry.
The report highlights that Kanale promised candidates positions as veterinary officers in exchange for money. Investigators found that at least three candidates paid him a total of ₹60 lakh in cash. Kiran Gauda contributed ₹10 lakh, Mohammad Sohel gave ₹20 lakh, and Saleem Onti paid ₹30 lakh.
The CID has tracked substantial amounts in several bank accounts linked to Kanale and his associates. Notably, ₹64 lakh was found in an account at Om Lakshmi Souharda Cooperative Bank, while ₹5.2 lakh was discovered in a Kotak Mahindra Bank account. Additionally, around ₹71 lakh was identified in Kanale’s wife’s account.
The agency also seized ₹5.60 lakh in cash from Kanale. In total, the amount traced or frozen across various accounts is estimated at around ₹1.5 crore.
The report also mentions the involvement of jailed IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar, who previously served as the examination controller for KPSC. Investigators allege he assisted in manipulating OMR answer sheets during the recruitment process.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Kumar gifted approximately ₹20 lakh worth of jewelry to a female friend, which is also part of the financial trail being examined by investigators.
The CID has identified five intermediaries, including Kanale, who are accused of playing a role in the recruitment scam. Investigators are looking into how these intermediaries contacted candidates, collected money, and accessed examination materials.
This recruitment was for 400 veterinary officer positions. Following the release of exam results, allegations of question paper leaks, manipulation of OMR sheets, and demands for large sums of money surfaced, prompting the CID to initiate its investigation.
Now, under the direction of the Karnataka High Court, the investigation has been handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The High Court has instructed the SIT, led by senior IPS officer Alok Kumar, to complete the investigation within 100 days and provide regular progress reports. The CID has been asked to transfer the case records to the SIT.
Leave a Comment