# Karnataka cash-for-jobs scandal: SIT to probe KPSC paper leak 2026-09-22T14:21:47+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets The Karnataka High Court has ordered a special investigation team to probe the alleged cash-for-jobs scam in the KPSC veterinary officer recruitment, amid reports of a question paper leak and bribes of up to Rs 80 lakh per post. The Enforcement Directorate, which has joined the CID probe, took former examination controller Gnanendra Kumar Gangwar into custody this week. Preliminary findings suggest over Rs 12 crore was collected from 24 candidates, with money traced to property and jewellery purchases. Separately, the Kerala Public Service Commission has approached the High Court to quash an FIR and prosecution sanction against its members over alleged evaluation irregularities in a 2022 planning board exam, arguing the state cannot sanction prosecution of a constitutional body. The court will hear the plea after the Crime Branch registered a case. Aspirants said the scandal has compounded delays, with more than 300 qualified candidates awaiting appointment. "Governments are not merely taking away public money, they are also taking away the valuable time and future of the state's youth," said activist Chetan Ahimsa. The Karnataka court has directed the SIT to submit a comprehensive report. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The Federal frames the scandal as a credibility crisis for the KPSC, leading with aspirant Niranjan's wasted five years, while LiveLaw reports the institution's legal counter-offensive. The SIT order and ED custody mark the concrete shift, but the real divergence is over who bears responsibility: aspirants and activists see a continuing pattern of corruption, while the KPSC insists on its autonomous, constitutional status and calls the allegations mistaken. The 2026 plea may test whether the High Court accepts the negligence defence or follows the investigation's paper trail of inflated answer sheets and property purchases. The Supreme Court reference on prosecution sanction, likely next year, will determine how far the state can probe a Commission shielded by Article 317. ## Coverage - thefederal.com (sensationalist) Leads with aspirant's tragic story and Rs 12 crore figure. - livelaw.in (neutral report) Reports KPSC's plea and defence without comment. Tags: ED, Gnanendra Kumar Gangwar, Karnataka, Karnataka High Court, KPSC Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/kpsc-jobs-scam-shatters-aspirant-trust-sit-to-probe/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/kpsc-jobs-scam-shatters-aspirant-trust-sit-to-probe/#story-in-brief