Karnataka Veterinary Officer Exam Scandal: Bribery Allegations Surface

A significant scandal has emerged in Karnataka regarding the KPSC Veterinary Officer recruitment exam, where candidates allegedly received answers a day before the test in exchange for hefty bribes. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the case, which has led to multiple arrests, including high-ranking officials. The investigation revealed that candidates were taken to a resort to memorize answers, with bribes ranging from ₹20 to ₹50 lakh. Evidence, including signed cheques and promissory notes, has been recovered, raising serious questions about the integrity of the recruitment process. Read on for more details about this unfolding story.

By Ambika Singh Oct 9, 2026, 17:34 IST

Allegations of Exam Irregularities

Recent reports have emerged regarding serious irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Veterinary Officer recruitment examination. It is claimed that candidates received answers to the exam questions a day before the actual test, with bribes amounting to several lakhs of rupees exchanged for this information.

Details of the Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into these allegations. They assert that candidates were taken to a resort near Bengaluru, where they were given access to the question paper along with the correct answers, which they were instructed to memorize. This exam, held on January 8 and 9, aimed to fill 400 Veterinary Officer positions. So far, the ED has identified 10 candidates who allegedly benefited from the leaked materials.

Financial Transactions Involved

Bribes Collected

The ED claims that each candidate was charged between ₹40 to ₹50 lakh for this arrangement, with the money being extorted under the guise of guaranteeing their success in the exam. Additionally, six candidates reportedly received a specially prepared answer key shortly before the exam, with bribes ranging from ₹20 to ₹40 lakh collected from them.

Involvement of KPSC Officials

Controller of Examinations Implicated

The investigation has implicated Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, the former KPSC Controller of Examinations and an IAS officer. He is accused of possessing confidential exam materials and facilitating the leak through his associate, Basavaraj Kannale, who allegedly contacted candidates and collected bribes. Both Gangwar and Kannale were arrested, with Gangwar taken into custody on September 18 and Kannale a day earlier.

Arrests of Additional Officials

Former KPSC Chairman and Member Arrested

The ED has also arrested Shivashankarappa Sahukar, the suspended KPSC Chairman, and Commission member B.V. Geetha. Geetha is accused of receiving the leaked answer key from Gangwar and accepting ₹20 lakh as an advance from a candidate, while Sahukar allegedly accepted ₹10 lakh from another candidate. Both were arrested following searches conducted on October 6.

Evidence Collected

Promissory Notes and Cheques Found

During the investigation, the ED discovered blank signed cheques and promissory notes worth ₹80 lakh from one of the successful candidates. These documents are considered vital to the ongoing investigation into the bribery allegations. The probe is based on an FIR filed by the police regarding the recruitment of veterinary officers in Karnataka.