The Enforcement Directorate has secured 14 days to question former Karnataka Public Service Commission chair Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar and member B.V. Geetha.
The investigation concerns alleged irregularities in hiring veterinary officers through the Karnataka Public Service Commission. The Enforcement Directorate says it is examining whether candidates were chosen in advance, rankings or final selections were manipulated, and payments were made for appointments.
Investigators allege that some of the money collected from candidates may have been passed to Sahukar, Geetha and another commission member, Shantha Hosamani. The probe also cites contacts with candidates two days before the examination. The allegations have not been established in court.
The inquiry covers about 400 veterinary posts and alleged irregularities in 12 other recruitment processes, including positions in the fisheries and water resources departments, gazetted probationer posts and block education officer roles. Police registered four cases in June and July. In August, investigators searched Sahukar’s home and the commission’s office, seizing recruitment records, hard drives, CCTV footage and bank documents.
The Hindu reported that investigators are examining the alleged role of intermediary Basavaraj Kannale, who is accused of promising candidates government jobs for 3 million to 4 million rupees after initially seeking as much as 8 million. Investigators suspect some candidates may have received question papers and answers before the examination. The allegations remain under investigation.