KPSC probe finds jewellery trail involving IAS officer

Bengaluru: The investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers through the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has taken a new turn, with investigators reportedly tracing part of the suspected illegal proceeds to high-value jewellery allegedly gifted to a woman linked to IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the recruitment scam, is examining how money allegedly collected from candidates was routed, transferred and subsequently used. During the investigation, officials reportedly found evidence indicating that jewellery worth around Rs 26 lakh was purchased from a reputed jewellery outlet on Dickenson Road in Bengaluru.

According to investigators, Gyanendra Kumar allegedly took the woman, said to be from Ayodhya, to the jewellery store and purchased gold ornaments for her. The CID is understood to have obtained the purchase receipt and CCTV footage from the showroom as part of its investigation into the alleged money trail.

The probe has reportedly revealed that money collected from candidates was deposited into accounts held in the names of other individuals. Investigators are examining transactions involving Lakshmi Souharda Cooperative Bank in Bidar. An account in the name of a person identified as Basavaraj is among those being scrutinised for alleged deposits linked to candidates.

The woman was subsequently questioned by the investigating agency after officials gathered information about her alleged association with Gyanendra Kumar. During questioning, she reportedly denied any connection with the recruitment scam.