The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into a recruitment scam involving the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). On Tuesday, the agency raided various locations, including the KPSC office and the residences of key individuals associated with the alleged scam. Suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar and KPSC Member Shanta Hosmani are among those being probed. The investigation revolves around irregularities in the hiring of veterinary officers across Karnataka.
Officials reported that the ED searched approximately 21 premises not only in Karnataka but also in Gujarat, seeking evidence related to the scam. The action followed the federal agency’s decision to register a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
Locations targeted in the raids include the KPSC office in Bengaluru, the residences of key figures like Sahukar and Hosmani, as well as the office of Edutest Solutions, the company tasked with the digital evaluation of exam papers. The ED is also investigating other individuals who allegedly played intermediary roles in the recruitment process.
The 21 premises being searched span several districts in Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Hassan, Chitradurga, Davangere, Raichur, Karwar, Kalaburgi, Belagavi, and Belgaum. Officials have also extended their search to Ahmedabad in Gujarat, reflecting the widespread nature of the investigation.
According to findings, the ED’s probe follows four FIRs filed by the Bengaluru Police, specifically the Vidhan Soudha police station, that detail alleged irregularities in the selection process for veterinary officers. Reports suggest that some middlemen contacted candidates, demanding bribes ranging from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh for guaranteed selection.
The ED has also received audio recordings from a complainant, which purportedly capture conversations with these middlemen discussing the bribes. These materials could play a significant role in the ongoing investigation and might implicate more individuals involved in the scam.
Furthermore, the ED’s investigation is delving deeper into serious allegations, including claims of a paper leak, tampering with OMR answer sheets, and preferential treatment in the selection process for relatives of KPSC officials. This multifaceted inquiry raises critical concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process in the state.
The implications of this investigation could lead to substantial reforms within the KPSC and calls for increased transparency in the recruitment processes of public officers. As the ED continues its inquiries, the public awaits further developments in this high-stakes case that exposes deep-rooted corruption within the recruitment systems.
