Priyank Kharge promises ‘no-nonsense’ probe into KPSC irregularities

With the CID probing alleged irregularities in the KPSC recruitment process, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday assured that the investigation will be a "no nonsense" process, and the facts will be placed before the people.

He said, the evidence and witnesses are strong in the case and the government will not compromise in any way.

The CID probing alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment exam for veterinary officers, have arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, who was serving as as Controller of Examinations of KPSC from February 2024 to March 2026, and alleged mastermind Basavaraj Kannale, a syndicate member of Tumkur University .

The government suspended Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, on Thursday following the allegations. At the time of suspension he was serving as Director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the Department of Industries and Commerce.

"I don't know what has happened in the past, but in this case the evidence and witness are strong, and the government will not compromise in any way. Everyone is aware of my opinion regarding the KPSC, no one has the right to play with the future of our youth, no party or no commission has any right. Period," Kharge said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Be rest assured, until I'm the Home Minister, there is no question of diluting any evidence or witness, whether it is by IAS or IPS officers or BJP or Congress leaders. Absolutely no nonsense investigation will happen, and the facts will be placed before the people. Let people decide."

Noting that while in the opposition he had introduced the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill as a private member Bill in the Assembly, the minister said, after the Congress government came to power, the Bill was officially introduced and implemented.

"After becoming the Home minister I have now published draft rules to it. The IAS officer accused in the KPSC irregularities case has been arrested under this law. Is it not our commitment?" he asked.

The CID is probing allegations of irregularities in the recruitment examination, including the handling of examination records, OMR sheets and the role of involved officials and others. The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is also separately investigating the case, and have raided the premises including those linked to suspended IAS officer Gangwar.

Asked whether the government will set up a fast track court to deal with such cases. Kharge said, "we will see whatever it is. The CM will take a call. New information is coming out in the case, considering its depth if necessary, definitely we will write to establish a fast track court."

Reiterating that if given an opportunity he will shut down KPSC, he said, "We have called for filling 74,000 government vacancies, only 908 have gone to KPSC for processing. All these are from different departments, I have not given any of my department related ones to KPSC. About 35 lakh people are writing these exams, this is not a child's play".

Most of them appearing for these exams are not from rich families, they are from middle class, lower income groups, from BPL families, he said, "they would have studied with great difficulty, what would happen to their future if there are irregularities. We have made efforts to rectify mistakes that have happened in the previous government."

Responding to a question on allegations of irregularities in various other exams conducted by KPSC, the minister said, there is a lot of speculation that in the last two years of the tenure of the IAS officer Gangwar at KPSC, there were irregularities and paper leaks during various exams held, but there is no confirmation on it....I cannot confirm it."

According to sources, as part of their probe, the CID is examining Kannale's financial transactions and has reportedly frozen 17 bank accounts allegedly linked to him, his relatives and friends.

Sources said, the probe is also looking into allegations that a number of candidates were taken to a resort and were given question papers with answers. Some candidates who received high marks are reportedly related to those in high positions at the KPSC.

KPSC's suspended Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar too appeared before CID officials on Thursday night, according to sources.