Pramesh S Jain
The CID investigation into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Veterinary Officers has revealed the alleged modus operandi of middleman Basavaraj Kannale and his associate Jnanendra.
Kannale allegedly identified candidates aspiring for government Veterinary Officer posts and assured them of securing appointments.
He initially demanded up to ₹80 lakh,but the deal was subsequently negotiated and finalised at around ₹30–40 lakh,depending on the candidate.
Investigators suspect that Kannale obtained question papers through his contacts with Jnanendra.
Candidates who paid the demanded amount were allegedly provided the question paper and answers before the examination.
The probe has also found that blank cheques and promissory notes were allegedly collected from some candidates as security for the transactions.
How did Kannale approach candidates?:
CID investigators found that Kannale allegedly operated as a key middleman and personally contacted candidates,assuring them of securing government jobs.
Kannale and his associates allegedly identified candidates willing to pay money, while some candidates reached him through other middlemen.
Several candidates were allegedly accommodated in four villas near Devanahalli before the examination, where arrangements were made to provide them with the leaked question paper.
The CID has reportedly traced money transfers by 11 candidates,who collectively transferred around Rs.80 lakh to accounts provided by Kannale.
The investigation has also brought out Kannale’s background.
He had been appointed as a syndicate member of Tumakuru University on the Governor’s nomination and had received awards from private organisations.He was also involved in the travel business.
What is KPSC member B.V.Geetha’s role?:
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the alleged role of KPSC member B.V.Geetha,including whether she had direct contact with candidates and whether she played any role in the alleged recruitment irregularities.
The ED searched Geetha’s residence on Tuesday and subsequently arrested her for questioning.
However,investigators have not yet established publicly whether Geetha directly received money from any particular candidate or whether she was directly involved in leaking a specific question paper.
Her exact role and the nature of her alleged links to the recruitment racket are expected to emerge during the continuing ED investigation.
