CID Detains BJP Leader Basavaraj Kannale Over KPSC Veterinary Officer Scam

The Criminal Investigation Department has detained Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party leader Basavaraj Kannale in Delhi in connection with alleged corruption in the Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment process. CID officials confirmed that Kannale was taken into custody over his suspected links to IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, who was previously arrested in the same case involving the selection of 400 veterinary officers.

Investigators are bringing Kannale, a BJP functionary from Bidar and a syndicate member of Tumakuru University, to Bengaluru to present him before a local court. The CID is expected to seek his custody for further interrogation regarding a network of middlemen allegedly demanding 80 lakh rupees for each veterinary officer post, with 40 lakh rupees sought as an advance. The funds were allegedly intended to manipulate Optical Mark Recognition answer sheets and leak question papers to artificially boost candidate marks.

Senior CID officials said Kannale was in regular contact with Gangwar, who served as the KPSC controller of examinations before becoming director of MSME in the state industries department. Gangwar was taken into custody after failing to cooperate during questioning regarding his role in overseeing the examination.

The recruitment exam for posts in the animal husbandry and fisheries department took place on January 8, and the KPSC published its final selection list on July 17. The investigation originated at the Vidhana Soudha police station after complaints were filed by the department and an aspirant, leading the Director General of Police to transfer the probe to the CID. Forensic specialists are currently examining 658 OMR sheets at the Forensic Science Laboratory, while the Enforcement Directorate is reviewing financial transactions linked to the case. Investigators have already arrested two alleged middlemen, Sikandar Chaudhary and Arif Mulla.

Kannale's detention has triggered political discussions after photographs showing him with senior BJP figures at party events were circulated online. Responding to the developments, Leader of the Opposition R Ashok clarified that photographs do not prove any connection to the alleged scam. He stated that anyone found guilty of participating in the scam should be punished, adding that taking photos with public figures does not establish involvement in criminal activity. Meanwhile, BJP leader B Y Vijayendra called for a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the matter to ensure transparency, accountability, and public trust in government recruitment.

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