CM Shivakumar sanctions prosecution of IAS officer Gangwar in KPSC question paper leak case

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has accorded sanction to prosecute suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, former Controller of Examinations of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), in connection with the alleged question paper leak in the Veterinary Officers' recruitment examination.

Gangwar is accused of misusing his official position to leak the question papers and correct answers through middleman Basavaraj Kannale a day before the examination.

Shivakumar said on Saturday, "Our government will not tolerate any wrongdoing that jeopardises the future of our youth or undermines their faith in a fair and transparent recruitment process. Every (job) aspirant deserves a fair opportunity based on merit and hard work. We are committed to ensuring transparency, integrity and accountability in public recruitment and governance and to upholding the rule of law without fear or favour."

According to the investigators, Kannale allegedly collected a cumulative amount of up to Rs 1.5 crore from candidates. Of this, Rs 1.30 crore was allegedly handed over to Gangwar as illegal gratification, while the remaining amount was reportedly spent on gold. 

Investigators have also alleged that a visit was arranged to a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru so that the candidates could memorise the leaked answers ahead of the examination.

An Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation last month found that Kannale, described as a key suspect and close associate of Gangwar, had given him Rs 1.3 crore in cash. 

The ED probe also found that Gangwar handed Kannale the question papers and answers in an HP pendrive on January 7, two days before the scheduled examinations. 

A separate CID probe found that around 60 to 80 questions were leaked to candidates, and that about five candidates were also given practice in answering them.