Karnataka PSC stays vet recruitment list, orders probe

The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has constituted an internal inquiry committee to investigate allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of Veterinary Officers. The move comes a day after the Vidhana Soudha Police registered an FIR against KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, other officials and 29 selected candidates over alleged corruption and malpractice. An audio clip, purportedly demanding a bribe of 80 lakh rupees for recruitment, is also under investigation. The inquiry committee, headed by KPSC member Shakuntala Dundigoudar, has been asked to submit its report within a week. Meanwhile, the selection list published on 17th of this month has been kept in abeyance pending the inquiry.
Earlier this month, Governor suspended KPSC Chairman over allegations that he facilitated the illegal selection of his two daughters as Industrial Extension Officers. The Opposition BJP has decided to raise the issue during the Monsoon session of State legislature next month. The controversy centres on the recruitment of 342 regular posts and 58 backlog vacancies, with candidates alleging that the selection process was manipulated through agents.
It is alleged that in a sting operation, the candidates released audio recordings, photographs and videos, including purported conversations involving alleged middlemen, claiming these pointed to irregularities in the recruitment process.The allegations have not been independently verified, and there was no immediate response from the KPSC before its latest statement.
In an official release issued on Sunday, the Commission said it had convened an emergency meeting after taking serious note of reports circulating on social media and news platforms regarding the veterinary officers' examination conducted on January 8 and 9, 2026. The KPSC said a complaint had led to the registration of a case at the Vidhana Soudha Police Station on July 24, followed by the registration of an FIR on July 25.
Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra alleged large-scale corruption in the KPSC recruitment of around 400 veterinary doctors and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the alleged scam. Citing leaked audio clips that purportedly showed candidates being promised higher marks in exchange for money, he said the allegations had severely damaged the credibility of the recruitment process. Vijayendra also questioned the delay in registering the FIR, claiming it was filed only after government approval.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said the Chairman of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) was appointed during the BJP  government’s tenure and clarified that the Congress government would conduct an investigation into the alleged irregularities in recruitment and take action as per the law. He added that the government has accepted the recommendation sent by the Governor and a detailed inquiry will be conducted. 

(State Correpondent)