Pramesh S Jain
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials on Monday conducted searches at two houses linked to BJP leader and alleged middleman Basavaraj Kannale in Bhalki taluk of Bidar district in connection with the alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment.
The CID team searched Kannale’s residence in Donagapur village of Bhalki taluk and another house located in Lecturer Colony, Bhalki town.
The searches were carried out as part of the investigation into allegations of manipulation and irregularities in the KPSC recruitment process.
However,when the CID officials visited the houses, Basavaraj Kannale was reportedly not present.After completing the searches,the officials left the premises.
Kannale is reportedly active in the BJP and is said to have close links with several BJP leaders in the state as well as Bidar district.
His alleged political connections have now come under scrutiny in the wake of the KPSC recruitment scam investigation.
According to allegations circulating in political circles, Kannale had developed contacts with political leaders after returning to Bengaluru following a stint in Delhi for UPSC coaching.
He is alleged to have subsequently acted as a link between candidates and influential persons and played a role in facilitating government jobs.
The CID is also probing allegations concerning financial transactions and acquisition of assets worth crores of rupees allegedly linked to the recruitment irregularities.
Sources said the investigation is also examining whether Kannale had been attempting to secure a BJP ticket from the Bhalki constituency for the 2028 Assembly elections and whether his political activities and alleged dealings were connected.
The latest searches come amid an intensifying CID probe into the KPSC recruitment irregularities, with investigators examining the alleged role of intermediaries and their links with officials and political figures.
