ED raids KPSC ex-chairman, multiple locations over recruitment irregularities

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug 18, 2026: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted search and seizure operations at 21 locations across Karnataka and in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as part of a probe into alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).

According to ED sources, the searches include the KPSC office, the residence of suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, KPSC member Shanta Hosmani, alleged middlemen and the office of Edutest Solutions Pvt Ltd, which was responsible for the digital evaluation of examination papers.

The premises of candidates selected for the post of veterinary officer are also being searched, sources said.

The 21 locations are spread across Bengaluru, Hassan, Chitradurga, Davangere, Raichur, Karwar, Kalaburagi and Belagavi in Karnataka, besides Ahmedabad in Gujarat, the sources said.

The ED action follows multiple FIRs registered at the Vidhana Soudha police station in Bengaluru alleging serious irregularities in the final selection process for the Veterinary Officers’ Recruitment Examination.

According to the complaints, alleged middlemen contacted candidates, including the complainant, and demanded bribes ranging from ₹70 lakh to ₹80 lakh per candidate in exchange for ensuring their selection.

The complainant has reportedly submitted audio recordings of some of the alleged middlemen in support of the allegations.

The complaints also include allegations of question-paper leaks, tampering with OMR answer sheets and manipulation of the selection process to facilitate the appointment of relatives of KPSC officials.