KPSC veterinary exam: Candidates allegedly paid ₹30–40 lakh for leaked paper, says ED
Mangalore Today News Network
Bengaluru, Oct 1, 2026: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that candidates selected for the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) veterinary officers’ recruitment examination for 400 posts were provided leaked question papers and answers in exchange for bribes.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ED said its investigation indicated that key accused Basavaraj Kannale obtained the leaked question paper through his alleged association with IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, who was then KPSC Controller of Examinations and was responsible for the custody and supervision of confidential examination material.
According to the ED, Kannale and his associates allegedly facilitated the illegal selection of candidates by providing them with the leaked question paper containing the correct answers in return for illegal gratification.
The agency said Kannale approached several candidates and assured them of selection. The investigation allegedly found that ₹80 lakh was initially demanded from candidates, while amounts ranging from ₹30 lakh to ₹40 lakh per candidate were eventually settled after negotiations.
Part of the money was allegedly collected in advance through cash and banking channels.
Blank cheques, promissory notes recovered
The ED said some candidates were allegedly made to provide blank signed cheques and promissory notes to secure payment of the remaining amount. These documents were recovered during searches conducted by the agency.
The investigation also found that the bank account of Om Lakshmi Souharda Sahakari Sangha Niyamitha in Bidar was allegedly used to receive certain amounts linked to the suspected bribes.
The ED further alleged that selected candidates were taken to a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where they were provided with the leaked questions and answers and made to memorise them under the supervision of Kannale and his associates.
On the day of the examination in January, the candidates were allegedly transported in vehicles arranged by Kannale and his associates.
Gangwar allegedly facilitated question paper leak
The agency alleged that Gangwar misused his official position to facilitate the leak of the question paper. According to the ED, Gangwar allegedly provided the question papers and answers to Kannale a day before the examination in exchange for illegal gratification.
The ED said an analysis of material seized during searches conducted between August 18 and 24 indicated that the suspected proceeds were subsequently layered and used through various channels, including bank transfers, gold jewellery purchases, cash payments for air travel and other cash transactions.
The agency alleged that these transactions were carried out to conceal the nature and source of the proceeds and project them as legitimate assets.
Gangwar, who was arrested on September 18, remains in extended ED custody. Kannale, arrested on September 17, was sent to ED custody for 14 days on Tuesday.