Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has granted permission to prosecute IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in connection with alleged irregularities in a Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment examination. The case involves suspected corruption and question paper leaks in the recruitment process for 400 Veterinary Officer posts held in January 2026.
According to investigators, Gangwar allegedly leaked question papers to at least 10 candidates who later featured among the top 20 rank holders. Investigators also suspect that candidates were asked to pay large sums of money to obtain the papers before the examination. Basavaraj Kannale, an alleged middleman, is accused of helping collect money from candidates.
Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, was serving as the Controller of Examinations at KPSC when the alleged irregularities occurred. He was arrested on August 29, 2026, and later suspended by the Karnataka government.
The prosecution sanction allows investigating agencies to proceed with legal action against the officer. The case is being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is examining possible money laundering linked to the alleged irregularities.
Shivakumar said the government would not tolerate corruption that harms young people’s futures or undermines public trust in recruitment examinations. He stressed that every candidate should have a fair opportunity based on merit and hard work.
The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings. Gangwar’s guilt, if any, will be determined by the court.
