The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Karnataka Police on Saturday arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in connection with the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers, making him the first accused to be arrested.

Mr. Gangwar, who served as Controller of Examinations at the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) from February 2024 to March 2026, was taken into custody after two days of questioning. CID officials are likely to make several more arrests as the investigation progresses and the alleged roles of other officials, KPSC members, and candidates are also examined.

Investigators have allegedly found prima facie evidence pointing to Mr. Gangwar’s role in the alleged irregularities, including material relating to suspected manipulation of OMR sheets. The CID is also probing allegations that certain candidates were provided training at hotels and resorts as part of the recruitment process.

The examination was held on January 8, 2026, and the final selection list was released on July 17. Following allegations of malpractice, the CID sent 329 OMR sheets of candidates who appeared for the examination to the State Forensic Science Laboratory for examination.

Mr. Gangwar’s arrest follows days of scrutiny after the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted searches in connection with the alleged KPSC scam. He had subsequently appeared before the CID and was questioned extensively regarding his tenure as Controller of Examinations.

The CID has also questioned suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar and several officials in connection with the case.