ED detains former KPSC chief Sahukar, KPSC member Geetha after fresh raid

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted a second search at the residence of former Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar and detained him for questioning in connection with alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers, sources said.

The ED also detained KPSC member B.V. Geetha, who is suspected to have a role in the alleged recruitment racket, for further questioning and legal proceedings.

The latest action follows the custodial interrogation of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, a key accused in the case. During questioning, Mr. Gangwar allegedly provided investigators with information about the alleged role of several KPSC members and others in the recruitment process.

ED officials arrived at Sahukar’s residence in Dollars Colony around noon and questioned him while carrying out the search under a warrant. Although sources said Sahukar was detained, the agency had not officially confirmed his arrest till late on Tuesday evening. If he is formally arrested, he is likely to be produced before a court on Wednesday.

This is the second ED search at Sahukar’s premises. The first searches were conducted on August 18.

Gangwar, who served as KPSC Controller of Examinations from February 2024 to March 2026, is alleged to have named Sahukar and KPSC members Shanta Hosmani, Elfreda D’Silva and B.V. Geetha during custodial interrogation.

The ED’s action is based on multiple FIRs registered by the Vidhana Soudha police in Bengaluru alleging serious irregularities in the final selection process for Veterinary Officers. The CID is separately investigating the alleged recruitment irregularities. Proceedings relating to the constitution of a separate SIT are also before the Supreme Court following a challenge to a Karnataka High Court order.

The case involves allegations that as many as 29 candidates paid lakhs of rupees to secure selection or postings following the Veterinary Officers’ recruitment examination held in January this year.

Among those named in the allegations is Sooguresh Jaka, said to be a relative of Sahukar. Investigators are examining allegations that Jaka secured 456.75 marks despite having failed two degree examinations. He subsequently cleared the examinations through compartment examinations, though he allegedly had a low cumulative grade point average.

The ED has not yet officially disclosed details of the seizures or material recovered during Tuesday’s searches. Sources said the searches were based on prima facie evidence and statements recorded from suspects arrested in the case.

Separately, the Vidhana Soudha police had, on July 10, registered an FIR against Suma S. Sahukar, daughter of Shivashankarappa Sahukar, alleging the submission of a false income certificate while applying for a government post under the 3B reservation category. Sahukar had earlier been questioned by the CID in connection with the recruitment probe.