ED arrests KPSC chief, member in recruitment bribery probe

The Enforcement Directorate arrested a suspended chairperson and member of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) on Wednesday as part of its investigation into a major recruitment fraud affecting state civil service examinations.

The accused are alleged to have exploited their positions to demand substantial bribes from candidates seeking selection to government posts. According to investigators, the officials leveraged confidential examination information, including answer keys, to approach candidates who were deemed likely to succeed in the selection process. They allegedly assured these candidates of positions in exchange for payments ranging between ₹10 lakh and ₹50 lakh.

In several instances, the accused approached candidates directly using non-public information, creating an unfair advantage for those willing to pay the demanded sums. The scheme reportedly targeted multiple examination cycles, affecting the integrity of the state's civil service recruitment process.

The arrest marks an escalation in the ED's crackdown on corruption within Karnataka's public sector recruitment machinery. Preliminary investigations suggest the scam may have involved additional officials and candidates across multiple batches of examinations.

The case has prompted a broader review of KPSC's internal protocols and security measures governing confidential examination materials. Authorities have indicated that further arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.