Karnataka: ED Raids 21 Locations in KPSC Recruitment Scam, Know the Full Case

The alleged KPSC recruitment scam in Karnataka has taken a serious turn after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 21 locations in connection with suspected corruption in the recruitment of Veterinary Officers.

The ED's search operation covers several locations linked to the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), including the KPSC office, suspended chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, KPSC member Shanta Hosmani, alleged middlemen and other individuals connected with the recruitment process.

The investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and focuses on alleged financial transactions and the suspected money trail linked to the recruitment process.

The controversy relates to the recruitment of 400 Veterinary Officer posts by the KPSC. Of these, 342 were regular posts while 58 were backlog vacancies.

According to allegations raised by candidates, some individuals allegedly demanded large sums of money in exchange for ensuring selection in the recruitment process. Candidates have reportedly alleged that amounts of up to ₹80 lakh were demanded, with assurances that payment would guarantee selection.

The investigation has also brought alleged intermediaries Ali and Sikandar under scrutiny. ED officials are examining whether money was collected through intermediaries and how the alleged funds were subsequently handled.

The agency is also looking into entities and individuals associated with the examination and evaluation process, including Edutest Solutions Pvt. Ltd., which was reportedly involved in digital evaluation-related work.

The controversy had earlier triggered scrutiny of the recruitment process, with questions being raised over the selection list and alleged irregularities. The suspension of the KPSC chairman further intensified the controversy.

With the ED now investigating the financial aspects of the case, the focus has shifted toward identifying the alleged beneficiaries, tracing the money trail and determining whether the suspected proceeds of crime were generated or transferred through illegal means.

However, it is important to note that the allegations are still under investigation. The ED's searches do not by themselves establish guilt, and the final facts will emerge only after the investigation and legal proceedings are completed.

The latest raids have nevertheless put the KPSC Veterinary Officer recruitment under heightened scrutiny and could provide investigators with important evidence regarding the alleged recruitment-for-money network.