Former Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Thursday in connection with the alleged irregularities in the KPSC.

He appeared in response to the notice issued by the CID following searches conducted as part of the investigation. The CID officials also issued notices to IAS officer Gnanendra Kumar Gangwar and many candidates who had secured high marks.

Gangwar, who was earlier reported missing amid the investigation, had served as Controller of Examinations at the KPSC from February 2024 to March 2026. He was transferred as Director of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in June.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a separate probe into the alleged KPSC irregularities, had also issued a notice to Gangwar to appear for questioning. The notice was issued after he was not present at his residence when the ED conducted searches in connection with the case.

The KPSC controversy began after the Vidhana Soudha police registered an FIR on July 10 against Suma S. Sahukar, daughter of the former KPSC chairman. She was accused of allegedly submitting a false income certificate while applying for a government job under the 3B reservation category.

Following the case, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot suspended Sahukar. However, the suspension was subsequently set aside by the High Court. The Governor again suspended Sahukar on Tuesday following a recommendation from the State Cabinet.

In another case, the Vidhana Soudha police registered an FIR based on allegations made by veterinary doctors who appeared for the competitive examination to fill 400 posts in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.

The allegations include bribery and claims that several candidates were taken to a resort where they were allegedly provided question papers along with answers. It is also alleged that some candidates who secured high marks were relatives of individuals holding influential positions in the KPSC.

Amid mounting allegations, the State government transferred the investigation to the CID on July 28. The ED is conducting a separate investigation into the alleged financial aspects of the case.