KPSC Recruitment Scam: IAS Officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar Suspended

On September 3, 2026 the Karnataka government issued a fresh order—Government Order No. DPAR 259 SEC 2026—saying that IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar is to be suspended with immediate effect. The move comes after a series of raids and a seizure operation that allegedly uncovered corrupt practices in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment process.

According to the suspension letter sent by the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Enforcement in Bangalore on August 23, material seized under Section 17 of the PMLA, 2002 points straight at the then‑Controller of Examinations of KPSC—Gangwar himself. The documents hint at manipulation of candidate selection, tampering with merit lists and other irregularities that, if proven, could shake public confidence in the state’s civil‑service exams.

Further compounding the case, a letter from the Director‑General of Police (CID, Special Units and Economic Offences) dated August 31 disclosed that Gangwar, who was also serving as Director of MSME, Bengaluru, was arrested on August 29. He was booked under Section 318(3) of the Bangalore Police Act and Section 10 of the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023 (the “KPE Act”).

After his arrest, Gangwar was produced before the local magistrate on August 30 and sent to judicial custody. The following day he was taken back into police custody for further interrogation, and the CID has said the investigation is still underway.

Given the seriousness of the allegations—questions about the integrity, transparency and fairness of KPSC’s hiring process—the state government says it is “prima facie satisfied” that Gangwar’s conduct violates Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. Consequently, invoking Rule 3(2) and 3(3) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, the administration has placed him under suspension until further notice.

While under suspension, Gangwar will continue to receive his subsistence allowance as per Rule 4, but he is prohibited from leaving his headquarters without a written permission from the state government. The move underscores the Karnataka government’s intent to signal zero tolerance for any breach of trust in its recruitment machinery.

The case is still evolving, and the CID’s findings will determine whether additional charges will be filed or if the officer will face a disciplinary panel. For now, the suspension stands as a clear reminder that public‑service exams must remain beyond reproach.