The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar and commission member BV Geeta in an ongoing money-laundering investigation linked to alleged recruitment irregularities and cash-for-jobs arrangements.
According to the investigation described in the case, Sahukar was detained after questioning at his residence in Bengaluru's Dollars Colony, while a separate ED team arrested Geeta from her apartment in the same locality. Both were subsequently produced before a court, where the agency sought custody for further questioning.
Probe Expands Into Recruitment Irregularities
The arrests come as the ED widens its investigation into suspected financial transactions and alleged irregularities connected with state recruitment examinations.
The agency had also questioned suspended IAS officer and former KPSC examination controller Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in the previous week. Gangwar and alleged political activist Basavaraj Kannale are reportedly in judicial custody after their bail applications were rejected.
Investigators are examining whether recruitment-related irregularities were connected to a wider financial network involving officials, candidates and intermediaries.
Candidate Connections Under ED Scrutiny
The agency is also examining candidates who appeared for the recruitment examinations as part of its investigation.
One of those being scrutinised is Suguresh, described in the source report as a close relative of Sahukar. Investigators are reportedly examining his unusually high examination marks along with digital and documentary evidence.
The ED is attempting to establish whether there were direct links between candidates, public officials and intermediaries involved in the alleged recruitment network.
Alleged Question Paper Leak Under Investigation
Investigators are also examining the alleged circulation of question papers and answer material before an examination.
According to the allegations under investigation, Gangwar spoke with Sahukar twice by telephone on the night of January 7, shortly before the examination was scheduled to take place.
The agency is examining whether question papers and answer material subsequently reached Suguresh and were then shared with Geeta.
Call records, electronic devices and documents maintained by the commission are reportedly being reviewed to establish the sequence of events and determine how confidential examination material may have been circulated.
ED Tracks Financial Transactions and Assets
The investigation has also expanded into the financial aspects of the alleged recruitment network.
Sahukar, a native of Hemanala village in Raichur district, became a KPSC member in September 2019 and was elevated to chairman in April 2021, according to the source report.
The ED had previously conducted searches at his Bengaluru residence in August. Investigators are now examining bank transfers, suspected assets and the broader financial network allegedly connected with the recruitment operation.
The financial component of the case makes Financial Investigation particularly relevant, as investigators are examining transaction records, suspected assets and the movement of funds to identify potential beneficiaries and intermediaries.
Investigation May Identify More Suspects
The agency is expected to continue questioning the arrested individuals and examining digital and financial evidence gathered during the investigation.
Investigators are also working to identify other people who may have benefited from or facilitated the alleged recruitment arrangements.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations concerning Sahukar, Geeta and other individuals have not been finally adjudicated. Further proceedings will determine the evidentiary basis of the allegations and the roles, if any, of the individuals under investigation.