The Karnataka government has suspended IAS officer Jnanendra Kumar, who served as KPSC Examination Controller, in connection with irregularities in veterinary officer recruitment.
The investigation into the KPSC veterinary officer recruitment scam has intensified in Bengaluru. The Karnataka government has suspended IAS officer Jnanendra Kumar, while the CID continues its probe into alleged recruitment irregularities.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has suspended IAS officer Jnanendra Kumar, who served as the Examination Controller of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), in connection with irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers. The action comes as the CID intensifies its investigation and marks the first major action taken by the government in the KPSC recruitment scam.
The CID investigation has brought to light several details regarding alleged irregularities in the recruitment process, including the contact between Jnanendra Kumar and intermediary Basavaraj Kannale. The investigation is also examining allegations of OMR sheet manipulation and question paper leakage.
Jnanendra Kumar was arrested and questioned by the CID police in connection with the case. Several details relating to the alleged recruitment irregularities reportedly emerged during the questioning. Following these developments, the state government issued an order on September 03 suspending Jnanendra Kumar with immediate effect.
The government order also cites an apparent violation of the All India Services Rules in connection with the allegations during his tenure as KPSC Examination Controller. In addition, he was suspended pending completion of the CID investigation after being in police custody for more than 48 hours.
Jnanendra Kumar’s Service Background
Jnanendra Kumar, a native of Uttar Pradesh, is a 2016-batch IAS officer. He served as the Examination Controller of the Karnataka Public Service Commission from February 2024 to March 2026. He was transferred from the KPSC in March this year.
He was currently serving as the Director of the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The CID is investigating allegations of irregularities during his tenure as KPSC Examination Controller.
Investigation Intensifies Against Basavaraj Kannale
Intermediary Basavaraj Kannale was taken into custody by the CID following an operation in New Delhi amid suspicion that he played a key role in the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. The investigation has revealed information regarding his continuous contact with Jnanendra Kumar.
Jnanendra Kumar and Basavaraj Kannale, who were arrested in connection with the case, were produced before the 1st ACJM Court on September 03. The court ordered that both be kept in custody until September 9.
Bribery Allegations in Veterinary Officer Recruitment Exam
The Karnataka Public Service Commission conducted the veterinary officer recruitment examination on January 8 and 9 this year. Serious allegations had emerged that candidates were allegedly asked to pay between Rs70 lakh and Rs80 lakh in connection with the examination.
Following these allegations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted an investigation. During searches and seizure operations carried out by the ED, evidence relating to alleged corruption in KPSC recruitment processes was reportedly found.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the state government had handed over the investigation to the CID. The CID is now continuing its probe into the examination process, alleged OMR sheet manipulation, question paper leakage, financial transactions and contacts between individuals linked to the case.
The suspension of Jnanendra Kumar has intensified the investigation into the KPSC veterinary officer recruitment irregularities. Further developments in the case will depend on the findings of the CID investigation.
