IAS Officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar Suspended Amid KPSC Recruitment Exam Row

The Karnataka government on Thursday suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar amid an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment process. Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, is currently in the custody of the Crime Investigation Department (CID), which is probing alleged manipulation and other irregularities in the recruitment examination for veterinary officers, according to a report.

The suspension was ordered with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders, pending the CID investigation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also conducting a separate investigation into the case. Who Is Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar? IAS Officer Detained Over KPSC Veterinary Exam Irregularities.

Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar Suspension Order Issued by Karnataka Govt

According to the government order, Gangwar has been suspended under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. During the suspension, he will receive a subsistence allowance as prescribed under the rules. He has also been directed not to leave his headquarters without written permission from the state government.

The government cited the ongoing CID investigation and information gathered during ED searches while issuing the suspension order. The order referred to material allegedly seized during an ED search under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and said the investigation had indicated corruption in recruitment processes conducted by the KPSC. These are allegations under investigation and have not been established by a court. Who Is Divya Mittal? IAS Officer Resigns After 13-Year Civil Service Career.

Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar Arrested After CID Questioning

The CID arrested Gangwar on August 29 after questioning him for two days in connection with the alleged irregularities in the KPSC veterinary officer recruitment examination. Investigators are examining his role during his tenure as KPSC's controller of examinations from February 2024 to March 2026.

The probe includes allegations concerning examination records and OMR sheets, as well as the possible involvement of officials and other individuals. Gangwar is currently serving as director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Karnataka's Department of Industries and Commerce.

Veterinary Officer Recruitment Under Investigation

The case centres on the KPSC examination conducted for recruitment to veterinary officer posts. The competitive examination was held on January 8, while the final selection list was published on July 17. The CID has sent 329 OMR sheets of candidates who appeared in the examination to the State Forensic Science Laboratory for examination. The move followed allegations of foul play involving successful candidates.

The investigation is seeking to determine whether examination records or OMR sheets were manipulated and whether officials or other individuals played a role in the alleged irregularities.

ED Searches and Controversy over Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar's Whereabouts

The case gained further attention after Gangwar's whereabouts became a subject of controversy during ED searches linked to the alleged KPSC irregularities. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said Gangwar had travelled to his native place in Uttar Pradesh because of a family emergency involving his father. Kharge said the officer had informed him and his superiors about the situation.

The episode triggered political criticism, with Opposition leaders questioning the circumstances surrounding the officer's absence and alleging that the state government had protected him. The government has rejected the allegations of shielding the officer.

KPSC Chairman Also Under Investigation

The wider investigation has also brought KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar under scrutiny. The CID has questioned him in connection with the alleged recruitment irregularities. The Karnataka High Court has separately raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the veterinary recruitment process and questioned the conduct of officials involved in the case. The investigation and related legal proceedings are continuing.

Probe Continues

With Gangwar now suspended and in CID custody, investigators are expected to examine further evidence relating to the examination process, recruitment records and alleged financial or procedural irregularities. The suspension is an administrative measure and does not by itself establish criminal liability. The allegations against Gangwar and others will be subject to the ongoing investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2026 11:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).