The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids on Tuesday at the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) office in Bengaluru, targeting suspended Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, KPSC member Shanta Hosmani, and several others. The action comes as part of a money laundering investigation stemming from allegations of corruption in a veterinary officer recruitment exam.
Investigators searched around 21 premises across Karnataka and Gujarat, uncovering key evidence concerning alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. This operation marks a significant step in the inquiry, initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), agency officials disclosed.
Targeted locations included the KPSC office, residences of Sahukar and Hosmani, a company named Edutest Solutions responsible for digital evaluations, and homes of candidates who secured positions as veterinary officers. These raids span multiple districts, including Bengaluru, Hassan, Chitradurga, and Davangere in Karnataka, along with select areas in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The ED’s probe focuses on four FIRs filed by the Bengaluru Police’s Vidhan Soudha station, alleging grave inconsistencies in the final selection of the candidates. Reports claim that middlemen demanded bribes ranging from Rs 70 to Rs 80 lakh for guaranteed selection, targeting candidates’ financial vulnerabilities.
One complainant provided police with audio evidence documenting these bribery solicitations, bolstering the agency’s case. Furthermore, the investigation delves into serious allegations surrounding a paper leak, potential tampering with OMR answer sheets, and favoritism, particularly concerning the selection of relatives of KPSC officials.
The ED’s actions symbolize a broader crackdown on corruption within governmental bodies, aiming to restore integrity to the recruitment process. As the investigation unfolds, officials expect additional revelations regarding the extent of misconduct within the KPSC.
The results of ongoing searches remain pending but highlight the gravity of the situation and the widespread implications of bribery in public service recruitments. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to come forward as the ED seeks to address these systemic issues.