Senior IPS Officer R Hitendra Leads KPSC Recruitment Scam Investigation
The Karnataka High Court has appointed senior IPS officer R Hitendra to head the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in KPSC recruitment. Justice M Nagaprasanna issued the order on November 2. The appointment replaces ADGP Alok Kumar as the SIT chief. This decision marks a significant step in investigating the KPSC recruitment scam that has drawn national attention.
The reconstituted team now includes ADGP Soumendu Mukherjee as a member. He replaces IPS officer Divya V Gopinath. Three other members continue their roles: Anup A Shetty, Kushal Chouksey, and Kshama Mishra. Together, they will investigate two separate cases involving alleged KPSC recruitment irregularities.
Court’s Emphasis on Independent Investigation
Justice M Nagaprasanna stressed that the investigation must remain independent and free from external pressure. The court stated: ‘The object of the constitution of the SIT is not merely to change the hands that hold the investigation but to ensure that the investigation itself is undertaken with renewed independence.’
The High Court issued strict directives to protect the investigation’s integrity. Officers involved in the earlier Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigation cannot join the SIT or its supporting team. This ensures a fresh perspective on the case. The court also directed that the SIT investigation remain ‘insulated from the shadow of its predecessor.’
The state government must provide the team with necessary staff, infrastructure, technical facilities, and resources. The SIT and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will conduct independent investigations while maintaining coordination with each other.
Details of the KPSC Recruitment Scam
The case involves alleged irregularities in recruiting 400 veterinary officers through KPSC. According to the investigation, some candidates allegedly paid bribes ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 40 lakh. These bribes were paid to obtain examination questions and answers before the test.
The CID investigation led to significant arrests. Former KPSC controller of examinations and IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar was arrested on August 29. He faced accusations of leaking examination questions and answers to candidates through middleman Basavaraj Kannale.
The investigation revealed that 11 candidates ranked among the top 15 in the examination held on January 8 and 9 in Bengaluru. These candidates allegedly received access to the questions and answers before the test. This discovery raised serious questions about the recruitment process’s fairness.
A separate case involves the alleged illegal selection of the daughter of suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar for a government job. This adds another layer to the KPSC recruitment scam investigation.
How the Case Reached the High Court
On September 21, the Karnataka High Court ordered the formation of a five-member SIT. This decision came after allegations of recruitment irregularities surfaced. The state government challenged the order before the Supreme Court.
On October 13, the Supreme Court upheld the SIT formation. However, it directed the team to continue from where the CID investigation had stopped. The Supreme Court also allowed the state government to suggest alternative officers for the SIT.
Following this directive, the state government submitted four names to the High Court. The High Court selected R Hitendra to lead the team. The CID investigation had remained stalled since the High Court’s September 21 order. The newly constituted SIT will now resume and advance the investigation into the alleged KPSC recruitment scam.
Next Steps in the KPSC Recruitment Investigation
The reconstituted SIT faces the responsibility of thoroughly investigating both cases. R Hitendra’s appointment brings fresh leadership to the KPSC recruitment scam probe. The team must work within the High Court’s directives to ensure independence and integrity.
The investigation will examine the extent of question paper leaks and bribery allegations. It will also investigate the selection irregularities involving the KPSC chairman’s daughter. The SIT’s findings could have significant implications for the KPSC recruitment process and those involved in the alleged irregularities.
