Karnataka veterinary officers recruitment ‘scam’: ED raids ex-chairman, 21 locations
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday quashed the July 10 suspension order against suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar and directed his reinstatement within seven days
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday (August 18) conducted searches at 21 locations in Karnataka and Gujarat including the premises of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) in Bengaluru in connection with alleged corruption and money laundering in the recruitment of veterinary officers.
The searches covered the residences and premises of suspended KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, KPSC member Shantha Hosamani, alleged middlemen, Edutest Solutions — which handled digital evaluation of examination papers — and selected veterinary officer candidates.
Also read: Why Karnataka's 2-4-6 recruitment formula is running into multiple hurdles
ED sources said important documents were recovered during the searches.
Searches were conducted in Bengaluru, Hassan, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Belagavi and Ahmedabad. The interstate searches suggest that the alleged scam may have links beyond Karnataka. The ED is also examining possible manipulation in digital evaluation.
Middlemen allegedly demanded Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh from candidates to ensure their selection. The allegations include question paper leakage, manipulation of OMR answer sheets and irregularities in digital evaluation.
Jobs for daughters
The controversy surrounding Sahukar intensified after allegations that his two daughters participated in recruitment processes conducted by the KPSC while he was its chairman. He was accused of misusing his position and facilitating nepotism.
Also read: Cauvery row: SC asks Karnataka to comply with CWMA's directions on water release to TN
Another allegation concerns the submission of certificates showing the family’s annual income as Rs 40,000 to avail reservation benefits.
HC revokes Sahukar’s suspension
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday quashed the July 10 suspension order against Sahukar and directed his reinstatement within seven days.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj held that Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s order suspending Sahukar was not based on the advice of the State Cabinet. The suspension had followed allegations against him and the initiation of proceedings under Article 317 of the Constitution.
Cabinet advice
The constitutional validity of the Governor’s action was a key issue before the court. The High Court examined whether the Governor had acted on the advice or recommendation of the State Cabinet.
The court set aside the suspension notification, while clarifying that its ruling was confined to the validity of the suspension order.
Stay on decision regarding daughter’s appointment
The court directed that no decision be taken regarding Sahukar’s daughter’s appointment and barred him from influencing the matter in any manner.
Though the order clears the way for his return as KPSC chairman, the restriction concerning his daughter’s appointment will remain in force.
Scope for legal action on allegations
The High Court made it clear that its order does not amount to a clean chit to Sahukar. The competent authorities can proceed against him in accordance with law on the allegations.
What are allegations?
The allegations relate primarily to the recruitment of Sahukar’s daughters and the alleged misuse of reservation benefits through income and caste certificates.
A criminal case was also registered against one of his daughters. The High Court had rejected her plea seeking quashing of the case in July.
With the suspension quashed, Sahukar can return as KPSC chairman. However, he cannot interfere in matters relating to his daughter’s appointment.