Bengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has searched the Bengaluru residence of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar as part of its investigation into alleged irregularities and money laundering linked to the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) veterinary officer recruitment examination.
The search reportedly took place on Sunday after ED officials allegedly failed to establish contact with Kumar. Officials had earlier searched the KPSC office in connection with the case and are examining the role of individuals associated with the recruitment examination.
The developments have also drawn attention because of conflicting reports about Kumar’s whereabouts.
ED searches officer’s residence
ED officials reportedly reached Kumar’s residence on Jayamahal Road and carried out a detailed search after repeated attempts to contact him allegedly received no response.
Reports said officials had to break open the door of the residence before beginning the search.
The latest action follows an earlier ED search of the KPSC office as part of the investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process and suspected money laundering.
Investigators are examining documents and other material that could help establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities and the possible financial trail associated with the case.
Conflicting reports over officer’s whereabouts
Kumar’s reported absence has become a key point of interest amid the investigation.
According to reports, the IAS officer went to Kempegowda International Airport on Thursday morning after informing others that he was travelling to Delhi. He reportedly switched off his mobile phone afterwards, leading to uncertainty over his whereabouts.
One report suggested that he had booked an air ticket at short notice and was believed to have travelled to Delhi on August 20. However, there was reportedly no immediate confirmation regarding whether he had actually boarded the flight.
A senior IAS officer is also said to have informed Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh about Kumar’s reported absence.
Police have reportedly been gathering information regarding his movements and attempting to establish his whereabouts.
Home Minister denies officer is missing
However, Home Minister Priyank Kharge has rejected reports that Kumar is missing and offered a different explanation for his absence.
Kharge said he had personally spoken to the IAS officer and confirmed that he was not missing.
According to the minister, Kumar had travelled to his native place in Uttar Pradesh because his father was unwell.
The statement has created a contrast with reports suggesting that Kumar had gone to the airport before becoming unreachable.
The differing accounts are likely to remain relevant as authorities establish the officer’s movements and continue their investigation into the KPSC-related case.
Kumar’s previous role in KPSC
Kumar had previously served as Controller of Examinations at the Karnataka Public Service Commission.
During his tenure, he was involved in the conduct of the veterinary officer recruitment examination as well as the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) examination.
Investigating agencies are examining various aspects of his role during his tenure at the commission as part of the wider probe.
An FIR had earlier been registered against Shantha Hosamani in connection with alleged irregularities in the KAS examination. ED officials had also searched Hosamani’s residence as part of their investigation.
The agency’s subsequent search of Kumar’s residence has expanded attention on the role of officials connected with the examination process.
Investigation into alleged irregularities continues
The ED is investigating the alleged recruitment examination irregularities from the financial angle, including possible money laundering.
The agency’s earlier searches and the latest operation at Kumar’s residence are part of efforts to gather evidence relating to the case.
Investigators are expected to examine documents and other material recovered during the searches and establish whether there were financial transactions or other activities connected to the alleged irregularities.
The precise allegations against individuals involved in the case and their respective roles will have to be established through the ongoing investigation.
Kumar is currently serving as the Managing Director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
Probe gains further attention
The latest developments have brought renewed attention to the KPSC recruitment examination case, particularly because of the conflicting information concerning Kumar’s whereabouts.
While reports had raised questions about his absence and prompted police to gather information about his movements, the Home Minister has stated that Kumar is in Uttar Pradesh due to his father’s illness.
Meanwhile, the ED search at his Bengaluru residence indicates that investigators are continuing to examine material linked to the case.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the ED and police establish the sequence of events and examine the alleged irregularities connected with the KPSC examinations.