Former Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Shivaraj Shankarappa Sahukar is facing a fresh investigation over alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers, adding to the controversies surrounding his tenure at the state’s premier recruitment body.

The Vidhana Soudha police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Sahukar, certain KPSC members and other individuals following a complaint alleging that the recruitment process for 400 veterinary officer posts was manipulated to benefit selected candidates.

The complaint reportedly alleges that approximately 29 candidates may have secured appointments through unfair means, including alleged favouritism, financial transactions and manipulation of examination-related procedures. Investigators are now examining whether confidential information was leaked or misused and whether the recruitment process was deliberately altered to give certain candidates an advantage.

The latest case comes amid existing scrutiny faced by Sahukar over allegations concerning the appointment of his two daughters to government positions. His suspension as KPSC chairman has already triggered a wider debate over transparency, accountability and conflicts of interest in government recruitment.

Allegations of Irregularities in Veterinary Officer Recruitment

The latest investigation relates to the recruitment examination conducted for 400 veterinary officer vacancies. According to the complaint, the selection process may have been compromised at different stages.

One of the key allegations is that confidential information connected with the examination was allegedly provided to intermediaries, who may have used the information to prepare or assist selected candidates before the examination.

The complaint has also raised questions over the alleged unauthorised access and sharing of candidate-related information and examination data. Investigators are expected to examine whether such information was obtained unlawfully and whether it was used to influence the final results.

The name of Suguresh Jak, described in the complaint as a relative of the former KPSC chairman, has also emerged in connection with the allegations. The complaint claims that the recruitment process was allegedly manipulated to benefit specific candidates.

Police are now expected to verify these allegations by examining official recruitment records, examination documents and other evidence connected with the selection process.

OMR Sheets Under Investigation

One of the most serious allegations in the case concerns possible manipulation of Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) answer sheets.

According to the complaint, some OMR sheets may have been altered after candidates completed the examination. Such alleged changes could have affected the marks obtained by candidates and potentially influenced the final selection list.

The police investigation is likely to focus on the original OMR answer sheets, evaluation records and data associated with the examination. Officials may also examine whether there were any discrepancies between the original examination records and the final results.

If the allegations are established, investigators will have to determine who was responsible for any alleged manipulation and whether the actions were part of a coordinated attempt to influence the recruitment process.

Audio Recording Triggers Further Questions

The case has also drawn attention following the circulation of an audio recording on social media. The recording reportedly contains a conversation related to an alleged payment of ₹80 lakh in exchange for securing a veterinary officer position.

The authenticity of the recording and the identities of the individuals involved will have to be established during the investigation. Police are expected to determine whether the recording is genuine and whether it can be used as evidence in the case.

The complaint also alleges that confidential candidate information and examination-related data were allegedly obtained and passed on to intermediaries.

However, the allegations have not yet been proven in court. The registration of an FIR marks the beginning of a criminal investigation and does not, by itself, establish the guilt of any individual named in the case.

Police Begin Probe Into Recruitment Process

The Vidhana Soudha police have begun examining the allegations and are expected to collect evidence related to the recruitment examination.

The investigation may include scrutiny of examination records, OMR answer sheets, candidate databases, evaluation documents and digital communications. Police may also question officials involved in conducting and evaluating the examination.

Individuals named in the complaint could be asked to appear before investigators and provide their statements. Candidates who participated in the recruitment examination may also be questioned if investigators find their statements relevant to the case.

The authorities will attempt to establish whether confidential examination information was leaked, whether any candidates received unfair assistance and whether the examination results were manipulated.

Fresh Trouble for Former KPSC Chairman

The new case adds to the legal and administrative challenges already facing Sahukar.

Earlier, allegations had emerged regarding the appointment of his two daughters to government positions. Questions were raised over whether his position as KPSC chairman created a conflict of interest in connection with the appointments.

The controversy led to his suspension from the post of KPSC chairman. The matter has also been referred for further consideration under the constitutional provisions governing the removal of members and chairpersons of public service commissions.

One of his daughters has also faced allegations related to the alleged misuse of a reservation benefit based on a purportedly false income certificate. She has reportedly obtained anticipatory bail in connection with that case.

The developments have intensified scrutiny of the functioning of the KPSC and the broader recruitment system in Karnataka.

Recruitment Transparency Under the Spotlight

The allegations have once again raised concerns over the integrity of competitive examinations and government recruitment processes.

The KPSC conducts examinations for a large number of government positions, with thousands of candidates competing for limited vacancies. Any allegation involving examination leaks, OMR manipulation, bribery or favouritism can significantly affect public confidence in the recruitment system.

Candidates preparing for government examinations rely on the selection process being fair, transparent and merit-based. Allegations of irregularities can therefore have a wider impact beyond the individuals directly involved in a particular recruitment process.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has emphasised the need to protect the interests of students and government job aspirants. He has called for greater transparency in recruitment and stronger safeguards to prevent manipulation of competitive examinations.

The minister has also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Sahukar’s appointment as KPSC chairman and the support he allegedly received during earlier legal proceedings.

Investigation to Establish the Full Extent of Alleged Fraud

The ongoing police investigation will seek to determine whether the alleged irregularities were limited to a few candidates or were part of a larger organised scheme.

Investigators are likely to examine possible financial transactions, communications between individuals involved in the recruitment process and the movement of confidential examination information.

The police will also need to determine whether any officials associated with the examination played a role in the alleged irregularities and whether the recruitment results were intentionally manipulated.

The case has reportedly been registered under relevant provisions dealing with cheating and offences related to public examinations.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to examine documentary and digital evidence and question individuals connected with the recruitment process. The findings of the investigation will determine whether further criminal proceedings are initiated against the former KPSC chairman, KPSC members or other individuals.

For now, the allegations remain under investigation, and no individual can be considered guilty unless the charges are established through due legal process. The case, however, has renewed calls for stronger safeguards, greater accountability and greater transparency in government recruitment examinations.

The controversy is likely to keep attention focused on the functioning of recruitment bodies in Karnataka and the need to ensure that government job selections remain free from corruption, favouritism and manipulation.