Pramesh S Jain
Bengaluru: IAS officer Jnanendra Gangwar has reportedly made explosive statements before the Enforcement Directorate (ED),alleging large-scale irregularities in 13 Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment processes over two years.
According to the statements reportedly made during the ED inquiry,a group of KPSC members allegedly entered into deals with candidates even before the final selection lists were published.
Candidates who had secured positions in the eligibility/merit lists were allegedly assured appointments in return for money.
The alleged irregularities included question-paper leaks, manipulation of answer scripts and changes to selection/eligibility lists,sources said.
Gangwar is also understood to have disclosed the involvement of four KPSC members in the alleged manipulation.
His statement is expected to put the spotlight on the role of commission members and officials who handled the recruitment processes.
Among the recruitments under the scanner is the selection of veterinary officers.Gangwar has reportedly told investigators that he was involved in around 11 recruitment processes,including the recruitment of veterinary officers.
The alleged irregularities also extend to recruitment conducted for posts under the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department,where answer sheets were allegedly manipulated and fresh eligibility lists prepared.
Sources said candidates who had already secured places in the merit lists allegedly approached certain KPSC members,with deals being finalised before the publication of the final selection list.
Gangwar,who reportedly disclosed the names of the KPSC members during questioning,is also said to have spoken about the role of officials and staff in the alleged manipulation.
The ED is examining the statements and other evidence to establish the exact role of the commission members, officials and candidates in the alleged recruitment scam.
