Published Jul 28, 2026 | 4:08 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 28, 2026 | 4:08 PM
KPSC has been facing allegations of corruption and a lack of transparency.
Synopsis: It has been alleged that relatives of KPSC’s former chairmen, members, and staff scored highly despite their poor academic records. At the same time, those who excelled in national-level examinations scored poorly on the state-held test.
The Karnataka government on Tuesday, 28 July, transferred the probe into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers by the State Public Service Commission to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the two cases registered at the Vidhana Soudha Police Station were transferred to the CID “in the interest of ensuring a fair, impartial and comprehensive investigation.” The cases were registered under Section 10 of the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023.
“The Government is committed to upholding the integrity and credibility of the public recruitment process. Any allegation of corruption, malpractice or unfair means in examinations or recruitment will be investigated thoroughly and without fear or favour. Those found responsible, irrespective of their position, will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law,” he posted on X.
The cases were registered based on a complaint by veterinarian Manjunath, who accused the suspended former KPSC chairman, Shivashankarappa S Sahukara, and others of engaging in large-scale irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers for the state Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department.
Also Read: KPSC Chairman suspended over daughters’ alleged illegal appointments
In the interest of ensuring a fair, impartial and comprehensive investigation, the two cases registered at Vidhana Soudha Police Station, Bengaluru City, against the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) under Section 10 of the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for…
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) July 28, 2026
He alleged that several relatives of the chairman, members and staff secured high marks in the examination held on 8 and 9 January, despite their average academic records. He added that some candidates who had cleared national-level competitive exams scored relatively poorly in the state-held test.
Some candidates also alleged that several shortlisted candidates switched off their mobile phones a day before or on the day of the examination. They were allegedly lodged in hotels and resorts outside Karnataka, where intermediaries gave them the questions.
Manjunath also raised doubts over the authenticity of OMR answer sheets. He alleged that candidates who had left several questions unanswered scored highly. He said intermediaries offered to manipulate OMR sheets for up to ₹80 lakh.
The Karnataka High Court had temporarily stayed the final selection list.
