BENGALURU: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has expanded its investigation into alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment, taking up a separate case involving the selection of 50 Industrial Extension Officers in the Department of Commerce.
The development follows the arrest of former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar and commission member Geetha in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers. Both officials were produced before a court on October 7 and subsequently remanded to the ED’s custody until October 19.
After the custody period ended, the agency produced them before the court but did not seek an extension of their custody. The court subsequently ordered judicial remand.
Fresh case concerns 50 Industrial Extension Officer posts
The new investigation concerns Suma Sahukar, daughter of Shivashankarappa Sahukar. A case was registered against her at the Vidhana Soudha police station over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process for 50 Industrial Extension Officer posts in the Department of Commerce.
The recruitment examination was conducted in July 2025, and the eligibility list was released in February 2026. Suma Sahukar’s name reportedly appeared on the list.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding her application and the documents submitted to establish eligibility for the recruitment process.
Income certificate under scrutiny
According to the allegations being investigated, Suma Sahukar applied under the 3B reservation category using an income certificate declaring an annual income of Rs 40,000.
Investigators reportedly identified discrepancies after examining the family’s financial details. The information under scrutiny includes the salary received by her father, who was reportedly paid Rs 2,05,100 per month in 2019, with the amount increasing to Rs 2,25,000 after 2021.
The probe is also examining allegations that the family held immovable assets that could affect eligibility for the claimed reservation benefits.
The ED is investigating whether the income and caste certificates were obtained or used improperly to establish eligibility under the relevant category. The authenticity of the documents, the information provided in the application and the circumstances surrounding their submission are among the issues under examination.
The reported discrepancies do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing. Investigators will have to determine whether any rules were violated and whether the documents were knowingly misrepresented.
ED examines other KPSC recruitments
The agency is also examining recruitment exercises conducted after Sahukar joined the KPSC. Investigators are reportedly looking at appointments made from 2022 onwards to determine whether similar irregularities may have affected other selections.
The wider inquiry could involve scrutiny of recruitment procedures, eligibility certificates, reservation claims and the roles of officials wherever evidence points to possible violations.
The latest case adds another dimension to the ongoing scrutiny of KPSC recruitment procedures. The commission is responsible for conducting recruitment examinations and selections for various government posts in Karnataka, making the integrity of its processes important for candidates and public confidence in government appointments.
Legal process to determine allegations
The ED’s investigation is expected to focus on the documents submitted during recruitment and whether the eligibility conditions were met. Any further action will depend on the evidence collected and the findings of the agency.
The allegations against Suma Sahukar, Shivashankarappa Sahukar and other individuals concerned remain subject to investigation. No conclusion on individual culpability can be drawn until the allegations are established through the legal process.