ED raids ex-KPSC controller's premises in Bengaluru, Bareilly
What's the story
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday raided the premises of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Bengaluru and Bareilly, The Hindu reported. The raids are part of a money laundering probe into alleged irregularities in an exam conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, is currently serving as Director-MSME in Karnataka's Department of Industries and Commerce.
Career transition
Gangwar was the Controller of Examinations at KPSC
Before his current posting, Gangwar was the Controller of Examinations at KPSC but was replaced in March this year.
The ED's raids were conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at his premises in Bengaluru's Jayamahal area and Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
It remains unclear if the officer was present during these searches.
Missing reports
Gangwar 'missing' for a few hours
The controversy intensified on Saturday when Gangwar was reported "missing" for a few hours.
However, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge later clarified that he was in Uttar Pradesh due to a family emergency concerning his father's health.
Kharge denied any connection between Gangwar's absence and the ED raids, saying he had spoken to the officer personally.
Probe details
ED probing alleged irregularities in veterinary officers recruitment exam
The ED is investigating alleged irregularities in a Veterinary Officers recruitment exam, where candidates were reportedly asked to pay bribes of ₹70-80 lakh for selection.
The agency is also probing allegations of paper leaks, OMR answer sheet tampering, and favoritism in selecting relatives of KPSC officials.
Last week, the Karnataka Cabinet recommended the suspension of former KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.