ED takes IAS officer, intermediary into custody in KPSC recruitment scam probe
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and alleged intermediary Basavaraj Kannale into custody for questioning in connection with the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in recruitment conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
Both Mr. Gangwar and Mr. Kannale were already in judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison after the Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested them. The ED took custody of the two late Friday night (September 18, 2026) for further questioning over suspected financial transactions linked to the alleged recruitment scam.
The ED had earlier sought their custody after the CID arrested them and produced them before a court. The two had reportedly been questioned by the CID for three days. Investigators are now examining the alleged financial trail and communications connected with the recruitment process.
Mr. Gangwar, a 2016-batch Karnataka-cadre IAS officer, served as Controller of Examinations of the KPSC from February 2024 to March 2026. Investigators suspect that alleged irregularities in recruitment, including the recruitment of veterinary officers, took place during his tenure.
According to investigators, Kannale allegedly acted as an intermediary and is suspected of having facilitated arrangements connected with recruitment-related dealings. The investigation has also examined his alleged interactions with Gangwar, including visits to the officer’s residence.
The investigation has reportedly uncovered evidence that Mr. Kannale allegedly spent lakhs of rupees on air tickets for Mr. Gangwar’s travel to various parts of the country, including New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
The CID is examining these expenses as part of the alleged financial trail. Investigators are reportedly checking whether the travel arrangements were connected to recruitment-related transactions.
The CID has also reportedly traced more than 13 bank accounts allegedly used to transfer money received from candidates. These include an account linked to the Sri Lakshmi Souhardha Credit Cooperative Society in Bidar.
Investigators also suspect that Mr. Kannale had planned to leave the country for Kazakhstan after the allegations came under investigation. The CID reportedly traced his movements shortly before his proposed departure from New Delhi and arrested him.
The investigation is also examining allegations that money allegedly provided by Kannale was used to purchase gold jewellery for a woman friend and a villa as a gift for Gangwar’s brother.
The ED and CID are continuing to investigate the alleged recruitment irregularities, financial transactions, recruitment-related communications and the possible involvement of other individuals.
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