Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh on Tuesday confirmed that three FIRs have been registered at the Vidhana Soudha Police Station in connection with alleged bribery and irregularities in appointments made by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Of these, two cases have been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further probe, while court permission has been sought for the third.

What the Allegations Involve

The controversy centres on the recruitment of 400 Veterinary Officer posts under the KPSC, with serious allegations that bribes of up to ₹80 lakh per appointment were accepted in exchange for selections. The scale of the alleged payments has drawn sharp public attention and triggered demands for accountability from multiple quarters.

Singh confirmed that the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) had issued formal orders directing the transfer of two of the three FIRs to the CID. The third case remains with the local police pending judicial clearance.

Protests and Political Response

The allegations have sparked widespread demonstrations by students and aspirants who had applied for the veterinary officer posts. Protesters have accused the KPSC of systematic irregularities in the recruitment process and have directed their anger at the state government as well.

The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended support to the agitating candidates, demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into what it has described as a recruitment scam. This comes amid growing scrutiny of public service commission processes across several Indian states.

CID Takeover: What It Signals

The transfer to the CID — a specialised investigative wing — suggests authorities view the matter as complex enough to warrant expertise beyond routine policing. CID involvement typically allows for wider jurisdiction, financial forensics, and the ability to pursue suspects across district lines. Notably, this is not the first time Karnataka's recruitment machinery has faced allegations of corruption, with past controversies over government job appointments drawing similar scrutiny.

Police Recruitment Exams Under Heightened Vigil

Separately, Singh noted that police recruitment examinations are currently underway across Bengaluru, with 149 examination centres set up citywide. He said this is the second time such exams are being conducted and that a record number of candidates have applied this year. Security personnel have been deployed at all centres, with special measures in place to ensure transparency, fairness, and the safety of candidates throughout the process.

Investigations into the KPSC bribery allegations are ongoing, and further developments are expected as the CID begins its formal inquiry.