ED gets custody of former KPSC chief Sahukar, member Geetha in veterinary recruitment scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), probing the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Veterinary Officers through the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), has arrested former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar and commission member B.V. Geetha and taken them into 14 days of custody for questioning.

The ED officials taken the duo into custody on Wednesday based on the alleged revelations made by IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, an accused, and Basavaraj Kannale, another accused.

According to sources, the investigation has revealed alleged links between Sahukar, Geetha and other intermediaries in the recruitment process. The ED is examining whether candidates were identified in advance, if their merit positions and final selections were manipulated, and if money was collected in exchange for appointments.

Sources said the agency has also traced the alleged contact between several candidates and the accused just two days before the examination. Statements made by Gangwar and Kannale reportedly indicate that Sahukar, Geetha, KPSC members Shantha Hosamani and Elfrida D’Silva had contacted candidates around that time.

The investigation into bank accounts allegedly showed financial transactions involving Sahukar, Geetha and Shantha. Initially, the accused reportedly described the transactions as ordinary financial dealings. However, during intensive questioning, investigators allegedly learnt that 20-30% of the money collected from candidates was being passed on to Sahukar, Geetha and Shantha.

The ED is also investigating an alleged network through which candidates’ mobile numbers were obtained from officials of the commission and used for continuous contact.

The ED officials are probing allegations that crores of rupees were collected from candidates before the examination, along with allegations of question-paper leakage and violation of KPSC recruitment rules. Four separate FIRs were registered at Vidhana Soudha police station in June and July in connection with the alleged irregularities.

The ED had earlier conducted searches on August 18 at Sahukar’s residence and the KPSC office. During the three-day operation, officials seized recruitment-related documents, computer hard disks, CCTV footage and bank records. The agency returned to Sahukar’s residence two months later as part of its continuing investigation into the alleged money trail.

The investigation has now expanded beyond the veterinary recruitment. Sources said alleged irregularities have surfaced in 13 recruitment processes, including recruitment of around 400 Veterinary Officer posts and appointments in the Fisheries Department, Water Resources Department, Industrial Extension, Gazetted Probationers and Block Education Officer-related recruitment. The ED is also examining allegations that candidates were approached before examinations, question papers were leaked and KPSC rules were violated.

Kannale allegedly identified candidates aspiring for government Veterinary Officer posts and assured them of securing appointments. He initially demanded up to ₹80 lakh, but the deal was subsequently negotiated and finalised at around ₹30–40 lakh, depending on the candidate.

Investigators suspect that Kannale obtained question papers through his contacts with Jnanendra. Candidates who paid the demanded amount were allegedly provided the question paper and answers before the examination. The probe has also found that blank cheques and promissory notes were allegedly collected from some candidates as security for the transactions.

Probe found that Kannale allegedly operated as a key middleman and personally contacted candidates, assuring them of securing government jobs. Kannale and his associates allegedly identified candidates willing to pay money, while some candidates reached him through other middlemen. Several candidates were allegedly accommodated in four villas near Devanahalli before the examination, where arrangements were made to provide them with the leaked question paper.

The investigation has also brought out Kannale’s background. He had been appointed as a syndicate member of Tumakuru University on the Governor’s nomination and had received awards from private organisations. He was also involved in the travel business.

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the alleged role of Geetha, including whether she had direct contact with candidates and whether she played any role in the alleged recruitment irregularities.