Full Breakdown
Karnataka Chief Minister Considers Shutting Down Public Service Commission Amid Recruitment Scandal
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Karnataka High Court on September 21 ordered a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IPS officer Alok Kumar to probe alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission’s (KPSC) recruitment of 400 veterinary officers and other posts. The court set a 100-day deadline for the report with progress updates every 30 days and instructed cooperation with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). On September 22, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the state is exploring legal options to shut down KPSC, calling it “a den of thieves” and noting that police have gathered documentary evidence. He welcomed the SIT but objected to the court naming the investigating officer, asserting that such appointments are a state prerogative.
Background & Context
KPSC recruits for state administrative services, police and other departments. Petitions allege manipulation of marks, tampering with answer scripts and OMR sheets, and the illegal appointment of the suspended chairman’s daughter to a post in the state industries department. Earlier controversies include the suspension of chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar and the arrest of former IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar for altering examination records.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sept 21 | High Court orders SIT headed by Alok Kumar; declines CBI probe. |
| Sept 22 | CM Shivakumar calls KPSC “filled with thieves,” announces legal review to shut it down, questions court’s authority to name SIT officer. |
| Earlier | Suspension of chairman Sahukar; arrest of IAS officer Gangwar. |
Data & Statistics
- 400 veterinary officer positions under investigation.
- SIT must complete its inquiry within 100 days and file progress reports every 30 days.
Official Statements & Responses
- Karnataka High Court – Directed SIT composition, mandated cooperation with the ED, and required the CID to hand over all records.
- Chief Minister D K Shivakumar –
- Described KPSC as “a den of thieves.”
- Welcomed the SIT but argued the state should appoint the investigating officer.
- Said the Enforcement Directorate is probing the financial aspects and that the police are “doing a very good job.”
- Enforcement Directorate – Confirmed a parallel investigation into the financial trail linked to the recruitment irregularities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The court rejected a request for a CBI probe, opting for a state-led SIT; no alternative investigative authority has been proposed.
- Coordination between the SIT and the ED remains unclear.