The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted significant raids on the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) on Tuesday, targeting its suspended Chairman, Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, and member Shanta Hosmani. This action forms part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering linked to a veterinary officers’ recruitment exam scam. Officials confirmed that the investigation stems from multiple FIRs registered by Bengaluru police, raising serious allegations of corruption.
The ED’s operation involved searches at approximately 21 locations across Karnataka and Gujarat, including Bengaluru, Hassan, Chitradurga, Davangere, Raichur, Karwar, Kalaburgi, Belagavi, and Belgaum. Investigators also searched the office of a company named Edutest Solutions, which handled the digital evaluation of exam papers, as well as residences connected to the KPSC officials.
KPSC officials face serious allegations as the ED investigates claims of irregularities related to the final selection process of veterinary officers. The probing agency has taken cognizance of accusations suggesting that middlemen solicited bribes from candidates, with amounts reported to range from Rs 70 to Rs 80 lakh per applicant. This shocking revelation points to the extent of corruption within the commission.
The situation escalated when a complainant provided evidence through audio recordings implicating the middlemen in these transactions. According to the ED, these recordings feature conversations in which candidates were solicited for hefty bribes to ensure their selection. Law enforcement agencies view these findings as crucial in building a case against the involved parties.
In addition to bribery, the ongoing investigation also focuses on serious allegations of paper leaks and tampering with OMR answer sheets. Furthermore, there are claims that the final selection process received undue influence from relatives of the KPSC officials.
This raid marks a significant development in the ED’s commitment to tackling corruption within hiring processes for government positions. The agency’s determination reflects broader efforts to uphold transparency and integrity in public service recruitment. As this story unfolds, it highlights the pressing need for reforms within institutions responsible for maintaining fairness in civil service exams.
The outcome of these investigations could have lasting implications for KPSC’s reputation and the integrity of recruitment processes in India’s public sector. Observers are keenly watching how this case will evolve and what measures the government will implement to prevent such incidents in the future.
