The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday conducted a search at the locked residence of Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) former examination controller Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar (CHECK), in connection with alleged irregularities with the recruitment officers

Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 08:17:20 IST

Prefer HTon Google

Share via
Copy link

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday conducted a search at the locked residence of Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) former examination controller Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar (CHECK), in connection with alleged irregularities with the recruitment officers. This followed searches at multiple locations across Karnataka in on August 18, marking a significant development in the probe.

The searches were conducted across eight districts and included the residences and offices of former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, sitting member Shanta Hosamani and others. ED officials are examining documents and other material believed to be relevant to the recruitment process.

As part of the operation, ED officials also searched the Bengaluru residence of IAS officer Gangwar on Jayanmahal Road. The officer’s house was locked when the officials arrived, prompting them to call a locksmith to gain entry.

Officials said the searches were conducted in both the houses in Bareily in Uttar Pradesh and in Bengaluru simultaneously.

Officials reportedly recorded the process of opening the house as part of their search procedure. CRPF personnel and ED officials also underwent security checks before entering the premises. The team is understood to have spent nearly three hours trying to gain access before entering the locked residence.

Kumar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, had served in several key positions during his career. He was associated with the KPSC as examination controller until March and had handled responsibilities related to the veterinary officer recruitment examination and supervision of the KAS examination.

The officer’s absence from Bengaluru had earlier triggered speculation after he reportedly left the city amid the ED investigation. There were reports that he had gone missing after reaching Bengaluru airport.

Home minister Priyank Kharge later clarified that Kumar had travelled to his native place in Uttar Pradesh because of his father’s health condition. The clarification came amid growing speculation over his whereabouts.

The ED searches at his residence have now added another dimension to the investigation into the KPSC recruitment case. Officials are examining whether documents or other material at the residence could provide information about the recruitment process and the alleged irregularities.

The searches come amid an expanding investigation into alleged corruption in KPSC recruitments. Investigators are looking into the role of individuals associated with the commission and others who may have had access to or influence over the recruitment process.

The ED has not yet disclosed details of the documents or other material recovered during the searches. Officials are expected to examine the seized material before determining the next course of action in the case.

The latest searches have intensified scrutiny of the KPSC recruitment process, particularly the selection and examination procedures for veterinary officers.

See Less