The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the premises of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Bengaluru and Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, August 23, 2026, in connection with the alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment. Mr. Gangwar, who is the Director of MSME, had served as the Controller of Examinations at KPSC when the veterinary officer recruitment examination was conducted. The recruitment process has come under the ED’s scanner following allegations of large-scale irregularities and claims that candidates were asked to pay huge sums of money.
The ED had earlier conducted searches at several locations in connection with the case, including the residence of former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar and premises linked to veterinary officers. Officials are also investigating allegations that candidates were asked to pay between ₹70 lakh and ₹80 lakh for securing appointments. An ED team reached Mr. Gangwar’s apartment in Bengaluru in three vehicles, accompanied by CRPF personnel.
However, the officials found the residence locked, and Mr. Gangwar was not present. His phone was said to be switched off. The ED team subsequently called a locksmith to the premises to prepare a duplicate key to open the apartment.
The officials also arranged for a neighbour to be present as a witness while the door was being opened. The developments come shortly after Mr. Gangwar’s brief absence from Bengaluru sparked speculation amid the ED investigation. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said that the IAS officer had travelled to Uttar Pradesh to meet his ailing father and that his absence was linked to a family emergency.
While Mr. Gangwar’s role as Controller of Examinations has brought him under the ED’s scrutiny, there is no confirmed information establishing that he himself has been accused of accepting bribes or participating in the alleged recruitment scam. The allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation, sources said.
