The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar in connection with the alleged Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) veterinary officer recruitment examination scam.
Kumar, who previously served as the KPSC examination controller, was taken into custody after being questioned by CID officials over two days. Investigators are examining his alleged role in irregularities reported at several stages of the recruitment examination.
What led to the arrest?
According to the investigation details cited in the source, CID officials questioned Kumar for 11 hours on one day and another nine hours the following day.
Investigators reportedly felt that he was not cooperating with the probe and was giving vague answers. He was subsequently arrested late at night.
The CID is now examining his statements alongside evidence gathered during the investigation.
Why was his former role important?
As examination controller, Kumar was responsible for several important stages of the recruitment process, from issuing the examination notification to declaring the results.
The investigation has reportedly identified alleged irregularities involving the question paper, training sessions for candidates at private locations, OMR answer sheets and CCTV arrangements.
The CID is examining whether Kumar failed to properly discharge his responsibilities while overseeing the examination process.
OMR sheets and question paper under probe
One of the major areas of investigation is alleged tampering with OMR answer sheets. Investigators are examining how the sheets were handled and whether any irregularities occurred during the process.
The alleged question paper leak is another key part of the probe. Officials are examining its preparation, handling and circulation, including whether confidential examination material was accessed and allegedly misused to benefit certain candidates.
Candidates allegedly trained at private locations
The investigation has also brought attention to alleged training sessions held at hotels and resorts.
According to the allegations, some candidates were taken to private locations and provided training using question-and-answer material before the alleged question paper leak.
Investigators are trying to establish who organised these sessions, who supplied the material and whether the sessions were connected to the examination.
More people could come under scrutiny
Kumar’s arrest could lead to further action as the CID continues examining the roles of other officials and individuals connected to the alleged irregularities.
The investigation is also looking at whether others may have benefited from or facilitated the alleged question paper leak and other examination-related violations.
The exact nature and extent of Kumar’s alleged involvement will be determined through the ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings