Karnataka: CID arrests IAS officer over irregularities in KPSC exam

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Karnataka on Sunday, amid allegations of irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) exam for 400 veterinary officer positions. Gangwar, a 2016 batch IAS officer and current Director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, served as the KPSC examination controller from February 2024 to March 2026.

The arrest occurred after extensive questioning, with investigators noting inconsistencies in his statements and perceived uncooperativeness. He is scheduled to be produced before a magistrate on Sunday.

The FIR alleges that Gangwar received ₹1.1 crore from two candidates in exchange for manipulating their OMR answer sheets. He has been charged under Section 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 10 of the Karnataka Public Examination Act. The state government transferred the case to CID on July 28, following two complaints filed by veterinarian Manjunath against the former KPSC chairman and others.

Manjunath claimed that relatives of the ex-chairman, KPSC members, and staff obtained high marks despite poor academic records. Some candidates also alleged that those who cleared national-level competitive exams performed poorly in the state recruitment test.

The ED is conducting its own investigation into the irregularities. On August 23, officials allegedly conducted a search of Gangwar's residence using a duplicate key, though he was in Uttar Pradesh at the time. This comes after Gangwar went missing for two days in late August, claiming a family emergency. State Home Minister Priyank Kharge denied any missing IAS officers.