Karnataka job ‘scam’: ED places IAS officer who ‘leaked’ exam paper, middleman under arrest

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar and alleged intermediary Basavaraj Kannale as part of their investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Both individuals were already in judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison after being arrested by the Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on September 18, 2026.

The ED took custody of the two for further questioning regarding suspected financial transactions linked to the recruitment scam. Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, served as the Controller of Examinations for the KPSC between 2024 and 2026, during which period investigators suspect irregularities occurred, including the recruitment of veterinary officers.

Kannale allegedly served as an intermediary, facilitating various recruitment-related dealings, and investigators have traced communications and financial trails connected to these activities. The investigation has uncovered evidence of Kannale allegedly spending significant amounts of money on air travel for Gangwar's international trips and traced over 13 bank accounts associated with the alleged financial transactions.

The investigation continues to examine additional details, such as alleged plans for Kannale to leave the country, as well as potential misuse of funds for personal gain.