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KPSC 'scam' case ED raids IAS officer Gangwar's premises in Karnataka, UP
India🏛️ PoliticsCenter8/23/2026

KPSC 'scam' case ED raids IAS officer Gangwar's premises in Karnataka, UP

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the premises of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Bengaluru and Bareilly, linking the action to a money laundering investigation related to alleged irregularities in a Veterinary Officers recruitment exam managed by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Gangwar, who previously served as Controller of Examinations at KPSC and was recently replaced, is now posted as Director-MSME in Karnataka. The ED alleges that middlemen demanded bribes between ₹70 lakh to ₹80 lakh per candidate and investigated claims of paper leaks, OMR tampering, and favoritism towards relatives of KPSC officials. While Gangwar was initially reported missing, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge clarified that the officer was in Uttar Pradesh due to a family emergency and denied any connection between his absence and the ED actions. The probe includes searches at KPSC headquarters and other officials, with the state cabinet recommending the suspension of former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, despite a recent court order for his reinstatement.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid on the premises of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Bengaluru and Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities in the veterinary officer recruitment examination conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). The operation took place just a day after Gangwar was reported missing from Bengaluru, sparking widespread speculation about his whereabouts and potential involvement in the ongoing probe. Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, is currently serving as Director-MSME in the Karnataka Department of Industries and Commerce. He previously held the position of Controller of Examinations at the KPSC, overseeing the veterinary officer recruitment process. The recruitment has come under scrutiny following allegations of large-scale irregularities, including demands for bribes ranging from ₹70 lakh to ₹80 lakh per candidate. The ED alleges that middlemen approached candidates, including the complainant, and extorted substantial sums for securing appointments. Additionally, the agency is investigating claims of paper leaks, OMR answer sheet tampering, and preferential treatment for relatives of KPSC officials. The raid on Gangwar’s residences occurred under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). ED officials reportedly arrived at his Bengaluru apartment in three vehicles, accompanied by CRPF personnel. Initially, security personnel refused entry, locking the gate and instructing officials not to enter. After prolonged attempts to gain access, the ED team contacted Gangwar, who was believed to be absent from the premises. His phone was reportedly switched off, and the residence remained locked. To resolve the situation, the ED arranged for a locksmith to create a duplicate key, with a neighbor present as a witness while the door was opened. The operation lasted approximately two hours. The incident gained attention after Gangwar went missing for several hours on Saturday. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge swiftly addressed the rumors, clarifying that the IAS officer had traveled to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh to attend to his ailing father. Kharge stated that Gangwar had sought leave and had informed his superior via email before departing. However, the message was sent during a holiday, leading to delayed communication. Kharge emphasized that there was no evidence of Gangwar evading authorities or fleeing from the ED or Income Tax Department. He reiterated that the officer’s absence was due to a genuine family emergency and that he would return to Bengaluru within two days. This follows a series of ED actions in the case, beginning with searches at the KPSC headquarters in Bengaluru on August 18. The agency also raided the residences of former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar and other officials. The probe into the veterinary officer recruitment scandal intensified after the Karnataka High Court quashed Sahukar’s previous suspension, prompting the state cabinet to recommend his reinstatement while allowing for new inquiries. The cabinet also proposed suspending Sahukar pending further investigations into alleged corruption and nepotism. The ED’s investigation continues to expand, targeting multiple individuals connected to the KPSC. While Gangwar’s role as Controller of Examinations has drawn scrutiny, there is no confirmed evidence that he has been directly implicated in the alleged scam. The agency is examining financial transactions and potential illicit activities tied to the recruitment process. Further raids and interrogations are expected as the probe progresses, with officials likely to scrutinize additional leads and documents to determine the extent of wrongdoing.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

7 reports

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 908/23/2026
‘No missing IAS officer in Karnataka’: Priyank Kharge debunks rumour of Gyanendra Kumar's absence

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge clarified that senior IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar was not missing but had traveled to Uttar Pradesh to care for his ill father. This came in response to rumors sparked by recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids related to irregularities in veterinary officer recruitment. Kharge stated that Kumar informed his superiors via email before departing, though the message was not noticed immediately as it was sent during a holiday. Kumar had booked a last-minute flight to Delhi, which led to speculation about his whereabouts. Officials later confirmed that Kumar was traveling due to a family emergency and would return to Bengaluru within two days. The ED had previously raided the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), where Kumar once worked, as part of a money laundering investigation. The Cabinet also recommended suspending former KPSC chairman Shiva Shankarappa Sahukar, who faces corruption and nepotism charges, despite a previous court ruling against his suspension.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual clarification from a government official regarding the whereabouts of an IAS officer, without overtly favoring any political stance. It provides balanced information about the situation, including the context of ED raids and the officer's family emergency, without ampl

Why factuality (95): This article presents a direct quote from the Karnataka home minister, Priyank Kharge, who clarifies that the IAS officer is not missing but has traveled to Uttar Pradesh for family reasons. It aligns with the cross-source consensus and accurately reflects official statements.

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains an objective tone, quoting officials directly and presenting both the rumors and the official clarification without taking a clear stance on the validity of either.

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 908/22/2026
Karnataka IAS officer goes missing after Bengaluru flight; govt clarifies his whereabouts

Karnataka IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar was reported missing after being last seen at Bengaluru airport, sparking speculation. However, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge clarified that Gangwar had traveled to his hometown due to a family emergency and had communicated with the government. Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer serving as Director, MSME, had been incommunicado since August 20 and had booked a flight to Delhi. While the government was initially unaware of the situation, Gangwar later provided clarification. The incident coincides with ongoing scrutiny of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), which recently faced recommendations for the suspension of its chairperson.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the initial confusion and subsequent clarification regarding the IAS officer's whereabouts without overtly favoring any political stance. It includes multiple perspectives, including statements from the minister and references to ongoing investigations, while maintaining a纪

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the situation based on statements from Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge and mentions the details from news agency PTI. It provides context about Gangwar’s position and the timeline of events. The reporting aligns with the cross-source consensus that the officer was in

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, quoting officials and providing both sides of the story (the initial confusion and the clarification). It avoids emotional language and remains focused on the facts, making it objectively balanced.

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 858/23/2026
Gone Yesterday, Here Today: 'Missing' Karnataka IAS Officer Went Home

An IAS officer named Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, who had been reported missing from Karnataka for two days, has been located at his hometown in Uttar Pradesh. The officer went there due to a family emergency. His absence had raised concerns, but he has now been accounted for. There is no indication of foul play or any official investigation into his disappearance. The situation appears to have been resolved without further complications.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on the location of an IAS officer who was briefly missing, which could be considered a minor political matter due to the involvement of a government official. However, the report is neutral, providing straightforward information without apparent bias or framing that favors one政治派

Why factuality (85): The article confirms that the IAS officer is at his hometown due to a family emergency, aligning with the clarification provided by the home minister. It references the initial reports of him being 'missing' but does not contradict the official explanation.

Why objectivity (85): The language is neutral, acknowledging the initial confusion while supporting the official statement. There is no evident bias or emotional language used in the reporting.

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/23/2026
KPSC ‘scam’ case: ED raids IAS officer Gangwar's premises in Karnataka, U.P.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the residence of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Bengaluru as part of an investigation into alleged corruption during the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) veterinary officer recruitment exam. Gangwar, who previously served as Controller of Examinations at KPSC, was out of contact for nearly two days before the raid. ED officials arrived at his apartment in three vehicles, accompanied by CRPF personnel, but found the residence locked and Gangwar absent. They later obtained a duplicate key to enter the premises. While Gangwar's absence was attributed to a family emergency involving his ailing father, there is no confirmation that he has been directly accused of wrongdoing. The investigation continues with allegations of large-scale irregularities and demands for exorbitant fees from candidates.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the ED's actions without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity. It provides balanced reporting on the investigation, mentioning both the official narrative regarding Gangwar's absence and the lack of confirmed accusations against him. The tone

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the ED raid on IAS officer Gangwar's premises in Bengaluru, citing his role as Controller of Examinations at KPSC during the veterinary officer recruitment. It mentions previous raids and allegations of financial demands, aligning with the cross-source consensus. How

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the events in a neutral manner, focusing on the facts of the ED action and the allegations. There is no overt bias or emotional language, though it implies potential wrongdoing through the use of terms like 'irregularities' and 'large-scale irregularities.'

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/23/2026
KPSC 'scam' case ED raids IAS officer Gangwar's premises in Karnataka, UP

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the premises of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Bengaluru and Bareilly, linking the action to a money laundering investigation related to alleged irregularities in a Veterinary Officers recruitment exam managed by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Gangwar, who previously served as Controller of Examinations at KPSC and was recently replaced, is now posted as Director-MSME in Karnataka. The ED alleges that middlemen demanded bribes between ₹70 lakh to ₹80 lakh per candidate and investigated claims of paper leaks, OMR tampering, and favoritism towards relatives of KPSC officials. While Gangwar was initially reported missing, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge clarified that the officer was in Uttar Pradesh due to a family emergency and denied any connection between his absence and the ED actions. The probe includes searches at KPSC headquarters and other officials, with the state cabinet recommending the suspension of former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, despite a recent court order for his reinstatement.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information from multiple perspectives, including statements from the Home Minister denying any wrongdoing and the ED's investigation into alleged corruption. It does not overtly favor one political side over another, providing balanced reporting on both the accusations and the官

Why factuality (85): This article provides consistent information about the ED raids in Bengaluru and Bareilly, referencing Gangwar's current position and past role at KPSC. It includes details about the PMLA search and the Home Minister's clarification regarding Gangwar's absence, matching the other articles. Minor dis

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, presenting both the ED actions and the government's response. While it mentions the controversy around Gangwar's disappearance, it does not take sides, maintaining a balanced approach. However, the phrase 'money laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities' may

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/23/2026
KPSC exam scam: ED raids 'missing' IAS officer's premises in Bengaluru, Bareilly

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on the premises of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Bengaluru and Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, as part of a money laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) examinations. Gangwar, who previously served as Controller of Examinations at KPSC and was recently removed from the role, is now posted as Director-MSME in Karnataka. The raids followed reports that Gangwar went missing for several hours, which were later explained by Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge as due to a family emergency involving his father's health. This follows initial searches by the ED in August 2023 targeting KPSC officials and other individuals connected to the alleged scam in the veterinary officers' recruitment exam.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the ED's actions and provides context regarding Gangwar's position and the ongoing investigation without overtly favoring any political stance. While the issue involves high-level government officials and potential corruption, the reporting remains non-

Why factuality (85): The article confirms the ED raids in Bengaluru and Bareilly, outlines Gangwar's background and current position, and references the Home Minister's statement about his absence due to family reasons. It aligns closely with the other articles, providing similar details about the PMLA investigation and

Why objectivity (80): The reporting is objective, covering both the ED's actions and the official explanation for Gangwar's absence. The language remains factual, though the focus on the 'scam' and 'money laundering' aspects may slightly tilt towards suggesting impropriety, even if only indirectly.

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenterFactual 75Objective 808/23/2026
IAS Officer's Bengaluru, UP Houses Raided In Karnataka Recruitment Scam Case

An IAS officer named Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, who joined the service in 2016 and is currently serving as Director-MSME in the Karnataka Department of Industries and Commerce, has had his residences in Bengaluru and Uttar Pradesh raided as part of an investigation into a recruitment scam in Karnataka.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a raid involving an IAS officer in connection with a recruitment scam, which is a matter of public interest and involves allegations of corruption within the administrative system. The report does not exhibit clear bias toward any particular political side, presenting the fact

Why factuality (75): The article provides basic background on Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, including his batch year and current position. It does not claim any specific facts beyond what is publicly known. However, it does not address the controversy or clarify the situation, which limits its factuality compared to more det

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, presenting information without overt bias. It focuses on factual statements about the officer's role and does not take sides in the controversy surrounding his disappearance.

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