Did ED Attach Properties Worth Rs 1.53 Crore in Karnataka PSI Recruitment Scam?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached assets linked to a major recruitment scam involving high-ranking police officials. This investigation uncovers a web of corruption and malpractice in the PSI recruitment process in Karnataka, raising serious questions about the integrity of law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- ED has attached properties worth Rs 1.53 crore related to the PSI recruitment scam.
- Amrit Paul and others are implicated in the scandal.
- The investigation is based on an FIR from the CID.
- Bribes ranged from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 70 lakh per candidate.
- Ongoing investigations are expected to unveil more information.
Bengaluru, Jan 24 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Bengaluru Zonal Office, has temporarily seized properties valued at Rs 1.53 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in relation to the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) recruitment scandal involving former ADGP Amrit Paul and several others, as stated by the agency in an official announcement on Saturday.
The properties confiscated include residential estates owned by Amrit Paul, the former Additional Director General of Police (Recruitment), and Sridhar H, a head constable.
The ED commenced its inquiry following an FIR lodged by the High Grounds Police Station of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Bengaluru, targeting multiple police officials and aspirants for alleged misconduct in the PSI recruitment process in Karnataka during 2021–22.
The Karnataka Police Recruitment Cell had organized exams to fill 545 vacancies for Police Sub-Inspectors in the Karnataka Police Department. Following the announcement of a provisional list of successful candidates, allegations emerged regarding cheating and corrupt practices during the examination.
The ED's investigation uncovered that Amrit Paul, in his role as Additional Director General of Police (Recruitment), was instrumental in the conspiracy by facilitating unauthorized access to the secure area where OMR answer sheets were kept.
He purportedly provided the keys to the cabinet containing the strong room keys to Deputy Superintendent of Police Shanth Kumar, which enabled accomplices, including Sridhar H, to alter the OMR answer sheets of unqualified candidates to guarantee their selection.
The accused reportedly demanded bribes between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 70 lakh per candidate. The illicit funds were allegedly disguised as hand loans and used for the construction of residential properties, according to the agency.
Previously, the ED had submitted a prosecution complaint in this matter, and the relevant court has acknowledged the offence of money laundering as outlined under Section 3 of the PMLA, 2002.
Further investigations are ongoing, the ED confirmed.
Point of View
I believe this case highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability within our law enforcement agencies. The involvement of high-ranking officials in recruitment scandals undermines public trust and calls for a rigorous examination of recruitment processes to ensure integrity and fairness.
NationPress
24/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Karnataka PSI recruitment scam?
The Karnataka PSI recruitment scam refers to alleged corrupt practices and irregularities during the recruitment process of Police Sub-Inspectors in Karnataka, leading to investigations by the Enforcement Directorate.
Who is Amrit Paul?
Amrit Paul is a former Additional Director General of Police (Recruitment) in Karnataka, implicated in the PSI recruitment scam.
What properties were attached by the ED?
The ED has provisionally attached immovable properties valued at Rs 1.53 crore, which include residential properties associated with Amrit Paul and another individual involved in the scam.
What actions has the ED taken regarding this case?
The ED has initiated an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and has filed a prosecution complaint which has been acknowledged by the court.
What is the significance of this case?
The case is significant as it exposes serious allegations of corruption within the recruitment processes of law enforcement, potentially affecting public trust in the police system.
