Complaint against KPSC member over alleged KAS recruitment bribery; FIR registered
The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), already facing allegations of serious irregularities and corruption in recruitment, is in the eye of a storm again, with
The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), already facing allegations of serious irregularities and corruption in recruitment, is in the eye of a storm again, with the Vidhana Soudha police registering an FIR over an alleged illegal gratification deal linked to the recruitment of a KAS officer. The case was registered on August 7 under Section 10 of the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023, following a complaint alleging that money was offered or paid to secure a KAS post. The complaint was filed by Kanthakumar R., president of the All Karnataka State Students Association (AKSSA), Bengaluru.
According to the complaint, Kanthakumar claimed to have received information that one Mamitha, a resident of RT Nagar, Kalaburagi, had allegedly paid or agreed to pay an illegal gratification in connection with the KAS recruitment. She had appeared for the interview and was awaiting the results, the complaint stated. The complainant also named Shantha Hosamani, a member of the KPSC, alleging that she was connected with the suspected transaction. Following the complaint, the Vidhana Soudha police conducted a preliminary inquiry and obtained relevant documents and records from the KPSC as part of the verification process.
The preliminary inquiry reportedly found a prima facie cognisable offence, following which the police registered the FIR on August 7 under Section 10 of the Karnataka Public Examination Act. The complainant has sought a detailed investigation into the alleged transaction, including verification of the identities and addresses of the persons named, examination of bank accounts and financial transactions, and collection of electronic evidence such as call detail records, WhatsApp messages and emails. The police are also expected to record statements of the persons concerned and witnesses and ascertain whether any money changed hands in connection with the KAS recruitment.
The investigation will now focus on establishing the nature of the alleged transaction and the role, if any, of the persons named in the complaint. The latest case adds to the mounting scrutiny surrounding the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), which is currently facing two FIRs, while an inquiry committee has also been constituted to probe alleged irregularities and complaints involving the Commission’s chairman and members.
The BriefWire