ED raids 21 locations in KPSC veterinary officers recruitment scam
Synopsis
The ED's simultaneous raids across 21 locations in Karnataka and Ahmedabad signal that the KPSC veterinary officers recruitment scam — where seats for government posts were allegedly sold for up to ₹1 crore each — has crossed into money-laundering territory. With the High Court watching, a CBI transfer demand live, and audio evidence already with investigators, this is no longer just a state-level recruitment irregularity.
Key Takeaways
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided 21 locations across Karnataka and Ahmedabad on 18 August 2026 under the PMLA .
Searches covered the KPSC office , residence of suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S.
Sahukar , KPSC member Shanta Hosmani , alleged middlemen, and Edutest Solutions Pvt.
Complainants alleged bribes of ₹70 lakh to ₹1 crore per candidate for guaranteed selection to 400 Veterinary Officer posts .
Allegations include question paper leakage , OMR sheet tampering , and selection of KPSC officials' relatives.
The Karnataka High Court is reviewing the case; some petitioners have demanded transfer of the probe from the CID to the CBI .
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, conducted search operations at 21 locations across Karnataka and Ahmedabad in connection with alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment of Veterinary Officers. The searches, carried out by the Bengaluru Zonal Office under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), mark the federal agency's entry into a case that has already triggered arrests, protests, and High Court scrutiny.
Locations and Premises Covered
The searches spanned Bengaluru, Hassan, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Raichur, Karwar, Kalaburagi, and Belagavi in Karnataka, as well as Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Among the premises searched were the KPSC office, the residence of suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, KPSC member Shanta Hosmani, alleged middlemen, candidates selected for Veterinary Officer posts, and the office of Edutest Solutions Pvt. Ltd. — the firm responsible for digital evaluation of examination papers.
What the Allegations Involve
According to ED officials, the searches are linked to multiple FIRs registered at Vidhana Soudha Police Station in Bengaluru. The complainant in the case alleged that middlemen approached candidates — including himself — demanding bribes ranging from ₹70 lakh to ₹80 lakh per candidate in exchange for guaranteed selection. He is also understood to have submitted audio recordings of the alleged middlemen to law enforcement authorities.
The complaints further allege question paper leakage, tampering with OMR answer sheets, and the facilitation of selection of relatives of KPSC officials — pointing to a systemic breakdown in the recruitment process.
Background: The KPSC Controversy
The controversy erupted after the final selection list for 400 Veterinary Officer posts was released on 17 July 2026, following an examination held on 8 January 2026. Candidates immediately alleged widespread bribery and nepotism, with audio clips reportedly capturing demands of up to ₹80 lakh to ₹1 crore per seat through middlemen. The KPSC subsequently placed the selection list on hold.
The Karnataka government tasked the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with investigating the matter, leading to the registration of FIRs against key figures and the arrest of middlemen. The Karnataka High Court is currently reviewing the case, with some petitioners demanding that the investigation be transferred from the CID to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
What Happens Next
The ED's entry adds a money-laundering dimension to what began as a state-level recruitment fraud probe. With the High Court monitoring proceedings and CBI transfer demands gaining traction, the case could escalate further. The fate of the 400 Veterinary Officer appointments remains uncertain as investigations continue across multiple agencies.
Point of View
Not merely pocketed. What is striking is the geographic spread: nine cities across two states, including Ahmedabad, indicating the alleged money trail extends well beyond Karnataka. The inclusion of Edutest Solutions in the search list raises questions about whether private evaluation agencies have become a structural weak link in India's public recruitment architecture. With the High Court watching and CBI transfer demands live, the Karnataka government faces pressure on multiple fronts — and the 400 candidates whose appointments are in limbo remain collateral damage in a crisis of institutional trust.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the ED raid KPSC offices and related premises?
The ED raided 21 locations on 18 August 2026 under the PMLA to investigate alleged money laundering linked to the KPSC Veterinary Officers recruitment scam. Complainants alleged that middlemen demanded bribes of ₹70 lakh to ₹1 crore per candidate in exchange for guaranteed selection.
What is the KPSC veterinary officer recruitment controversy?
The controversy began after the final selection list for 400 Veterinary Officer posts was released on 17 July 2026, following an exam held on 8 January 2026. Candidates alleged widespread bribery, OMR sheet tampering, question paper leakage, and nepotism, prompting protests and criminal investigations.
Who has been suspended in the KPSC scam?
KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar has been suspended in connection with the recruitment irregularities. His residence was among the 21 locations searched by the ED on 18 August 2026.
What role did Edutest Solutions play in the KPSC case?
Edutest Solutions Pvt. Ltd. was the private firm contracted for digital evaluation of the Veterinary Officer examination papers. Its offices were searched by the ED as part of the investigation into alleged tampering with the recruitment process.
Is the Karnataka High Court involved in the KPSC case?
Yes, the Karnataka High Court is currently reviewing the matter. Some petitioners have demanded that the investigation be transferred from the state CID to the CBI, a request that remains pending before the court.
