ED Raids 21 Locations in Karnataka and Gujarat Over KPSC Recruitment Scam

ED Raids 21 Locations Across Karnataka and Gujarat in KPSC Recruitment Scam BENGALURU — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted synchronized raids on Tuesday across 21 locations in Karnataka and Gujarat in connection with a major money laundering investigation linked to the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment scam. The search operations, conducted under heavy security by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, targeted key figures in the alleged cash-for-jobs scandal, primarily focusing on the recruitment of veterinary officers.

• • Key Search Targets: Raids were carried out at the Kalaburagi and Bengaluru residences of suspended KPSC Chairman S. Shivashankarappa Sahukar, the premises of KPSC member Shanta Hosamani, the KPSC headquarters in Bengaluru, and third-party digital evaluation vendors (Edutest Solutions). Residences of suspected middlemen and selected candidates were also searched in Hassan, Davanagere, Belagavi, Raichur, Karwar, and Ahmedabad (Gujarat).
• • Core Allegations: The investigation stems from allegations that candidates were charged between ₹70 lakh and ₹80 lakh each for selection as veterinary officers. Allegations also include the tampering of OMR answer sheets and illegally favoring specific candidates.
• • Legal Background: The ED stepped in following four FIRs registered at the Vidhana Soudha Police Station and an ongoing probe by the CID. Sahukar was suspended from his post as KPSC Chairman on July 13 following initial allegations. ED officials are currently analyzing digital evidence, financial transactions, and physical documents seized during the raids to map out the money trail and identify illicit gains generated through the scam.