The Criminal Investigation Department has frozen 17 bank accounts allegedly opened by KPSC recruitment case accused Basavaraj Kannale in the names of relatives and friends, while also searching his flat in Devanahalli, according to a report by Prajavani on Saturday.
The action forms part of the CID’s investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment for veterinary officer posts through the Karnataka Public Service Commission. Investigators are tracing money that candidates allegedly paid in advance to secure appointments through unlawful means.
According to the report, Kannale is alleged to have deposited or routed the money through accounts held at the Om Lakshmi Souharda Sahakara Sangha in the Lecturer Colony area of Bhalki town in Bidar district, as well as at nationalised banks. The accounts were identified and transactions were blocked, the report said, citing investigative sources.
CID officials also suspect that Kannale opened several accounts with the assistance of a director of the cooperative society. Investigators allege that candidates transferred money into these accounts after making advance payments in connection with the recruitment process.
“Over the past four days, Basavaraj Kannale has been subjected to intensive questioning. He has admitted to receiving advance payments from several candidates,” CID investigative sources were quoted as saying in the report. The statement is an allegation attributed to investigation sources; the report did not provide details of any charges or findings beyond the ongoing investigation.
CID personnel searched Kannale’s flat in Devanahalli on Friday. The search was conducted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., during which investigators reportedly found documents suspected to be connected with the alleged irregularities.
The investigation has also drawn former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar. He reportedly appeared before CID officials after visiting the agency’s office on Thursday night following the issuance of a notice. Sahukar sought additional time to appear for questioning and produce documents, citing an anticipatory bail petition listed for hearing before the Karnataka High Court on September 7, according to the report.
Another accused, Shantha Hosamani, has received a second notice from the CID. The report said she had not responded to the earlier notice.
The CID’s next steps are expected to include further questioning, examination of the seized documents and scrutiny of the frozen accounts as investigators trace the alleged flow of recruitment-related payments. The report did not state the total amount under investigation or indicate whether the account holders had been formally charged in connection with the case.
