The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a significant operation on Tuesday, raiding the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers. This operation includes searches at the homes and offices of suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, member Shanta Hosmani, and several others linked to the case.
In total, the ED targeted approximately 21 locations across Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Hassan, Chitradurga, Davangere, Raichur, Karwar, Kalaburgi, Belagavi, and significant premises in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The operation follows the agency registering a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in response to reports of undue practices during the recruitment examination.
Investigators stated that the KPSC office in Bengaluru was among the primary targets during these raids. Additionally, the search encompassed the residences of the suspended chairman and KPSC member, alleged middlemen, and the office of Edutest Solutions, an agency accused of overseeing the digital evaluation of exam papers.
ED officials confirmed that the action stems from four FIRs filed by the Bengaluru Police at the Vidhan Soudha police station, detailing claims of corruption and dishonesty in filling veterinary officer positions. These FIRs highlighted alleged demands for bribes from candidates seeking selection, with amounts reaching between Rs 70 and Rs 80 lakh per individual.
A key complainant in the matter presented audio recordings to law enforcement, capturing conversations with middlemen soliciting these heavy bribes. This evidence raises serious concerns about the integrity of the KPSC’s selection process and the involvement of intermediaries.
The agency’s investigation delves deeper, probing accusations of a paper leak, tampering with OMR answer sheets, and the possible favoritism shown toward relatives of KPSC officials during the selection process.
The ED’s proactive stance aims to clear the air surrounding the recruitment process for veterinary officers in Karnataka, a role critical for maintaining animal health and welfare within the state. By pursuing high-profile figures in this investigation, the agency seeks to shed light on broader issues of systematic corruption that compromise merit-based recruitment.
As the investigation unfolds, the KPSC faces significant scrutiny, with many questioning the transparency and fairness of its procedures. Officials and the public await the outcomes of this investigation, hoping it will restore confidence in the recruitment policies of one of the state’s pivotal institutions.
