ED Raids IAS Officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar's Jayamahal Premises in KPSC Probe

The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday raided the premises of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Bengaluru's Jayamahal area and Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) examinations.

Gangwar, a 2016-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, is currently serving as Director-MSME in the Karnataka Department of Industries and Commerce. He previously served as the Controller of Examinations at the KPSC until he was replaced in March this year. Central agency officials conducted the searches under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The ongoing investigation centres on a money laundering probe into an alleged recruitment scam involving Veterinary Officers exams. According to the ED, middlemen demanded bribes ranging from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh per candidate to secure selections. The agency is also investigating allegations concerning question paper leaks, the tampering of OMR answer sheets, and the irregular facilitation of appointments for relatives of KPSC officials.

The latest action follows an earlier round of searches conducted by the ED on August 18 at the KPSC head office in Bengaluru, as well as the premises of former KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar and Member Shanta Hosmani. Last week, the Karnataka Cabinet decided to recommend Sahukar's suspension to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot after the Karnataka High Court quashed a previous suspension order.

The raids also follow a brief controversy on Saturday when reports circulated alleging that Gangwar had gone missing. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge denied the claims, clarifying that Gangwar was at his native home in Uttar Pradesh due to a medical emergency involving his father. Kharge stated that the officer was open to an inquiry by any agency and that no official complaint or allegations had been filed against him.