Karnataka CM sanctions prosecution of IAS officer over alleged KPSC exam paper leak

Karnataka chief minister D K Shivakumar authorized legal action against IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, who served as examination controller when the KPSC veterinary officers' question paper was allegedly leaked a day before the exam on January 7-8. Investigators allege that Gangwar passed the confidential paper to Basavaraj Kannale, who then organized a covert meeting at a Bengaluru-area resort where candidates, reportedly paying between ₹30 lakh and ₹40 lakh, received the questions and answers.

The scheme also involved arranging transport for the candidates to their test centres. The CID’s Special Investigation Team and the Enforcement Directorate are handling the case, citing Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Shivakumar posted on X that corruption will not be tolerated and that safeguarding recruitment integrity remains a priority.

Financial trails point to payments through cash, bank accounts, blank cheques and a cooperative society account in Bidar. The prosecution sanction paves the way for further legal proceedings, though guilt must still be proven in court.