KPSC scam: ED search at IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar’s Bengaluru home ends after 9 hours

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Aug 24 concluded a nearly nine-hour search at the Bengaluru residence of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar in connection with its investigation into alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment.

The search was carried out as part of the ED’s probe into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers, where candidates were allegedly asked to pay bribes ranging from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh to secure appointments.

According to sources, Kumar was not present at his residence when the ED team arrived. The officer had reportedly left Bengaluru three days earlier and travelled to Uttar Pradesh, with state Home Minister Priyank Kharge saying he had gone there as his father was unwell.

Sources claimed that Kumar left his residence carrying two large bags and had taken away his laptop, mobile phone and other electronic devices. As a result, the ED team reportedly found very little material at the residence.

The search team is understood to have thoroughly checked the premises, including cupboards, walls and areas beneath the floor, using scanners to look for hidden documents or other material. Officials reportedly searched the house for several hours, the sources said.

A diary and some records were reportedly recovered during the search. The ED also examined available bank statements and documents relating to private companies allegedly entrusted with responsibilities connected to government recruitment.

However, sources claimed that most electronic devices and important documents were missing from the residence. Apart from some old clothes and furniture, the officers reportedly found little material of significance.

The ED team arrived at the apartment complex in three vehicles accompanied by CRPF personnel. The entrance was initially locked, and security personnel reportedly refused entry, saying they had not received instructions to allow the officials inside.

After the ED team contacted Kumar, the security staff eventually opened the premises. His residence, however, was locked, following which a locksmith was called to open the door. The process was reportedly videographed as part of the search procedure.

Kumar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, had served as Controller of Examinations at the KPSC until March and was associated with the conduct of the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) examination and the recruitment process for veterinary officers.

At the end of the search, ED officials reportedly pasted a notice at Kumar’s residence directing him to appear before the agency for questioning. The officer is currently reportedly untraceable.

The latest action comes three days after the ED conducted searches at the residence of former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar and other locations in connection with the alleged recruitment irregularities.

The ED has so far searched multiple premises across Karnataka as part of its investigation into the alleged KPSC recruitment scam. The agency is examining documents, financial records and other material to establish the alleged flow of money and identify those involved in the recruitment irregularities.

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