The Karnataka High Court has granted six days’ interim bail to Basavaraj Kannale, a prime accused in the alleged Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) veterinary officer recruitment cash-for-jobs scam, allowing him to attend the naming ceremony of his newborn daughter in Bidar.
Justice Vishwajith Shetty directed that Kannale be released from October 15 to October 20. The order also requires the police to escort him at all times during his temporary release. Kannale is currently lodged in judicial custody at Bengaluru Central Prison.
The case concerns alleged wrongdoing in the KPSC recruitment process for veterinary officers. Investigators have identified Kannale and suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar as central figures who allegedly used their influence to compromise the examination and recruitment process.
Kannale is expected to travel to Bidar during the period covered by the interim bail. The court’s conditions mean that his release is limited in duration and subject to continuous police supervision. The order does not determine the merits of the allegations against him.
Kannale’s defence counsel has maintained his innocence and previously argued that his name did not appear in the original first information report. The prosecution, however, has alleged that he was deeply involved in managing illicit transactions connected with the recruitment case.
The investigation is being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the Enforcement Directorate. The CID arrested Gangwar and Kannale, while the ED also arrested suspended KPSC chairperson Shivashankarappa Sahukar and KPSC member BV Geetha, along with the two other accused.
Kannale is to return to custody after October 20 under the terms of the interim release. The investigation into the alleged recruitment manipulation and financial transactions remains ongoing.
