The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids on Tuesday at the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) as part of an investigation into a significant money laundering case surrounding the recruitment of veterinary officers. This operation involved scrutinizing the premises of former KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, KPSC member Shanta Hosmani, and various others.
Authorities reported that they searched approximately 21 locations across the state and in Gujarat, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations. The raids targeted the KPSC office in Bengaluru, Sahukar’s residence, and the offices of Edutest Solutions, which is linked to the digital evaluation of examination papers.
This move follows the ED’s registration of a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) amid allegations of systematic irregularities in the recruitment process of veterinary officers.
The premises being searched are located in various districts across Karnataka including Bengaluru, Hassan, Chitradurga, Davangere, Raichur, Karwar, Kalaburgi, Belagavi, and Belgaum. Raids also reached into Ahemdabad, Gujarat.
ED officials stated that the agency commenced its investigation based on four first information reports (FIRs) lodged by Bengaluru Police. Reports allege severe irregularities in the evaluation and final selection process. Notably, candidates reported being approached by middlemen who demanded bribes of ₹70 to ₹80 lakh for securing positions.
The complainants provided audio evidence of these extortion attempts to support their claims. The ongoing ED inquiry seeks to uncover further fraudulent activities related to potential paper leaks, tampering with OMR answer sheets, and the undue influence exercised by KPSC officials in favoring relatives during the hiring process.
This case reflects a growing concern among job aspirants regarding transparency and integrity within public service recruitment processes. Many hope that legal actions will lead to reforms preventing such scams in the future.
