Karnataka suspends IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar amid KPSC exam scandal

Karnataka authorities have suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, invoking Rule 3(2) and 3(3) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, pending further investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department. Gangwar, who was arrested on August 29 and is being held by CID, is accused of facilitating irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission's recruitment exam for veterinary officers, including mishandling of OMR sheets and examination records.

The Directorate of Enforcement has also launched a separate inquiry, noting that material seized during searches suggests systemic corruption attributable to Gangwar's role as controller of examinations. While serving as director of MSME in the Department of Industries and Commerce, he is now required to remain at the headquarters and will receive a subsistence allowance during suspension. Earlier, his whereabouts had sparked controversy after he was reported missing, but the state home minister clarified he had traveled to his native Uttar Pradesh for a family health emergency.