Karnataka Exam Scam Probe Intensifies As IAS Officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar Is Detained

IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar has been taken into custody in connection with alleged irregularities in the Veterinary Officers' examination conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), officials said. Gangwar, a 2016-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, was detained after being questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for the second consecutive day on Saturday. Officials said the action followed his alleged non-cooperation during the interrogation. Gangwar was questioned by the CID team for nearly nine hours on Friday as investigators examined his alleged connection with the examination irregularities.

He was questioned again on Saturday before being taken into custody. The investigation is focused on establishing how the alleged irregularities occurred and whether officials associated with the examination process played any role. At the time the alleged irregularities occurred, Gangwar was serving as Controller of Examinations at the KPSC. His position placed him in a role connected with the commission's examination process. He was subsequently replaced as Controller of Examinations in March this year. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the period when he held the post.

Gangwar is currently posted as Director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Karnataka's Department of Industries and Commerce. His detention represents a significant development in the investigation because of his previous role at the KPSC. The CID is expected to examine records and other evidence relating to the examination as part of its probe into the alleged irregularities. The case has also attracted the attention of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a separate money laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities in an examination conducted by the KPSC. On August 23, the agency conducted searches at Gangwar's residences in Bengaluru and Bareilly.

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The searches formed part of the ED's investigation into the alleged financial aspects associated with the examination-related irregularities. The parallel investigations by the CID and ED indicate that authorities are examining different aspects of the allegations. While the CID questioning is focused on the circumstances surrounding the examination irregularities and the roles of individuals connected to the process, the ED's probe is linked to alleged money laundering. Further details about the evidence gathered by the agencies have not been disclosed. Gangwar's detention came after two days of questioning by investigators. Officials said his alleged lack of cooperation during interrogation led to the action, though the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities will now continue examining the evidence and questioning individuals who may have information about the examination process. The alleged irregularities in the KPSC examination have raised questions about the integrity of the recruitment process and the role of officials responsible for conducting examinations. The investigation is expected to establish the nature and extent of the irregularities, identify those responsible and determine whether any financial transactions were involved. Further action against Gangwar or other individuals will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigations.

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