The Karnataka High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to a 29-year-old veterinary doctor who secured third rank in a Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment examination currently under investigation for alleged question-paper leakage and other irregularities.
The court has directed that the candidate should not be arrested until the next hearing on October 13 and has asked her to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The case concerns the recruitment examination for veterinary officers, in which investigators are examining the alleged advance circulation of examination questions to selected candidates.
Prosecutors Point to Nine Rank Holders
During the hearing, the prosecution told the court that nine rank holders had allegedly received examination questions before the test. The group reportedly includes candidates who secured the first two positions.
Investigators are also examining the third-rank candidate's movements and communications around the examination period. The prosecution has referred to call-detail records and technical information that it says could help clarify her activities before the examination.
The investigation is still underway, and the allegations against individual candidates have not been finally established by a court.
Candidate's Examination Performance Under Scrutiny
The prosecution has also highlighted the candidate's performance in the examination.
According to the material presented before the court, she scored 486 marks, equivalent to 81.12 per cent, despite the examination having negative marking.
Investigators reportedly noticed similarities between some questions she answered incorrectly and questions answered incorrectly by other candidates under scrutiny. The prosecution has argued that the overlap requires further examination to determine whether it is connected to the alleged circulation of examination material.
Such similarities, by themselves, do not establish participation in a paper leak. Their significance will depend on the wider evidence collected by investigators.
Call Records and Technical Reports Being Examined
The prosecution also referred to the candidate's location and communications on the night before the examination.
Investigators reportedly found that her location on January 8 was different from the place where she was expected to be. The agency is also awaiting certain technical reports relating to internet-based communications.
The pending technical evidence is among the factors being considered as the investigation continues.
Nine Candidates Could Become Approvers
The court was informed that nine rank holders identified during the investigation could potentially be considered as approvers or prosecution witnesses when the chargesheet is filed.
Investigators are examining two groups of candidates in connection with the alleged irregularities. One group reportedly consists of around 11 candidates, while another involves approximately nine additional candidates whose roles are still being assessed.
The investigation will determine whether particular candidates should face prosecution or whether their cooperation could be considered during the legal process.
₹1.52 Crore Alleged Payment Trail
The investigation has also alleged that 11 candidates collectively paid ₹1.52 crore to middleman Basavaraj Kannale in exchange for access to examination questions before the test.
Investigators allege that the examination material was obtained through former KPSC examination controller and IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar before being passed to the middleman.
Both Gangwar and Kannale have been arrested in connection with the wider investigation. Investigators are continuing to examine the role of candidates who allegedly made payments.
Recent reporting has also described an alleged financial trail involving candidates and intermediaries, along with claims that dozens of questions were leaked ahead of the examination.
Examination Was Held for 400 Veterinary Posts
The recruitment examination was conducted for 400 veterinary officer vacancies. Around 1,400 candidates reportedly appeared, while 329 candidates were eventually selected.
Investigators allege that some selected candidates received examination material before the test and were taken to locations on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
The investigation has also examined allegations involving a candidate who secured the 84th rank. According to the probe, the candidate was allegedly asked for ₹30 lakh after the examination on the promise of manipulating an OMR sheet. Investigators have so far reportedly found no evidence that the OMR sheet was actually altered.
Earlier Anticipatory Bail Plea Was Rejected
The third-rank candidate had previously approached a special court for anticipatory bail, but the application was rejected on August 18.
Nine of the 29 candidates named in the original FIR have reportedly obtained anticipatory bail, including the candidates who secured the top two ranks.
A court granting interim protection from arrest does not determine whether the allegations are true. The investigation and subsequent judicial proceedings will determine the legal status of the allegations and the individuals involved.
HC Keeps Arrest Protection in Force Until October 13
The Karnataka High Court has now given the third-rank candidate temporary protection from arrest and directed her to cooperate with investigators.
The matter has been adjourned until October 13. By then, investigators are expected to continue examining technical records, communications, financial information and the roles of other candidates.
The wider KPSC recruitment investigation has already expanded beyond the alleged paper leak, with agencies examining alleged financial transactions, communications between intermediaries and candidates, and possible manipulation of the recruitment process.