KPSC ‘scam’: CID arrests key middleman, reportedly associated with BJP

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probing the alleged scam in the recruitment of veterinary officers by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), arrested Basavaraj Kannale, reportedly a local BJP leader from Bhalki, Bidar district, on Monday. He is alleged to be a key middleman and one of the kingpins in the alleged scam. He was arrested from Delhi, sources said. 

The arrest comes amidst Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy targeting Home Minister Priyank Kharge over the alleged scam in KPSC and has given a further political twist to the case. The Congress was already targeting the BJP over the alleged scam, pointing out that KPSC ‘scam’ in the dock, was appointed during the BJP tenure. 

The CID had arrested IAS officer Gnanendra Kumar Gangwar, former Controller of Examination, KPSC, in connection with the scam on Sunday. Both were presented before a magistrate court in the city on Monday and were remanded in 10-day custody. 

Kannale, said to be associated with the BJP, was appointed as a member of the Syndicate of Tumkur University. He was appointed Syndicate member in August 2025, sources said. He is alleged to have played a crucial role as a middleman between candidates and influential persons in the recruitment process. 

Meanwhile, the CID officials on Monday conducted searches at two houses linked to Kannale in Bhalki taluk of Bidar district. The searches were carried out at his residence in Donagapur village and another house in Lecturer Colony, Bhalki town. 

Kannale had reportedly developed close contacts with several political leaders after returning to Bengaluru following a stint in Delhi for UPSC coaching. Investigators are probing allegations that he subsequently acted as a conduit between job aspirants and influential persons, allegedly helping candidates secure government posts.

The CID is also examining financial transactions and assets worth crores of rupees allegedly linked to the recruitment irregularities.