The Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has widened its probe into alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment after intermediary Basavaraj Kannale reportedly told investigators that he threw a laptop, mobile phones and other documents into the Cauvery river in Mandya district’s Srirangapatna. The disclosure was made during his CID custody, according to a report by Prajavani published on September 8, 2026.
CID officials said Kannale travelled to Srirangapatna after the state government handed the investigation to the agency and disposed of the electronic devices in the river. Investigators are now examining technical evidence, including mobile-phone location data and CCTV footage, to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged destruction of evidence.
Two mobile phones belonging to Kannale, along with 10 examination admission cards recovered in Sanjayanagar, have been seized and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory, CID officials said. Investigators are also examining the possibility that another phone in his possession was thrown into the river.
Kannale is accused of collecting money from candidates by promising to secure posts as veterinary officers. Investigators reportedly found that candidates who had paid money in advance were called to an office in Rajajinagar and later taken to a house in Devarayanadurga and a resort in Andhra Pradesh, where they were made to write examinations. The allegations have not been established by a court.
According to sources cited in the report, Kannale had planned to leave the country for Uzbekistan with the help of an acquaintance. He was arrested at Delhi airport on August 30. His CID custody, along with that of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, is scheduled to end on September 9, when both are expected to be produced before a court. The report said the Enforcement Directorate could seek custody under a body warrant if it makes such a request.
The investigation also moved against former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar. The Karnataka High Court on Monday rejected his anticipatory bail application in connection with corruption allegations. CID officials subsequently searched Sahukar’s residence and the Yeshwanthpur flat of Rakesh, an RTO inspector and Sahukar’s relative. Some documents were reportedly seized.
Sahukar had appeared before CID investigators twice and reportedly told them that any issue involving employment for his daughter was a technical error, not an illegal act carried out in the commission’s name. Investigative sources, however, told Prajavani that questioning Kannale and Gangwar had indicated Sahukar’s alleged role in the irregularities. These claims remain part of the investigation.
CID teams are also searching for former KPSC member Shantha Hosamani, who is suspected of involvement in the case. The Enforcement Directorate searched the KPSC office on August 18 and later conducted a search at Hosamani’s residence based on documents recovered there, the report said. Investigators said her mobile phone had been switched off for about 15 days. A lookout notice has reportedly been issued, and officials are preparing to serve a third notice before seeking an arrest warrant if she does not appear for questioning.
The case began after Manjunath of Channarayapatna taluk and 24 other candidates complained on August 2 that irregularities had occurred in recruitment for veterinary officer posts. An FIR was registered at the Vidhana Soudha police station against Sahukar and others. Police are separately investigating an audio clip circulating on social media in which complainants were allegedly threatened. Officials said they were working to identify those responsible. The next reported milestone is the production of Kannale and Gangwar before court on September 9.
