ED Raids 21 Locations in Karnataka Over KPSC Recruitment Irregularities

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated search and seizure operations at 21 locations across Karnataka and Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on the morning of August 18, 2026. These searches target alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Veterinary Officers by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). The agency’s Bengaluru zonal office initiated the action under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Key premises under investigation include the KPSC headquarters and the private residence of suspended KPSC Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar. The operation also extends to the residence of KPSC member Shanta Hosmani and locations linked to several alleged middlemen.

The primary focus of the investigation lies on the digital evaluation process of examination papers handled by Edutest Solutions Private Limited. Officials indicate that the ED is probing a potential money laundering network that may have manipulated recruitment outcomes through these digital systems. This specific case was triggered by complaints of systemic corruption in the selection process for veterinary medical professionals in the state. By searching the premises of the agency responsible for evaluation, the ED aims to uncover evidence of tampering or illicit financial transactions between state officials, private service providers, and candidates seeking government employment.

The ongoing searches have spread across multiple districts including Bengaluru, Hassan, Chitradurga, Davangere, Raichur, Karwar, Kalaburgi, and Belagavi. This widespread crackdown signals a major effort by central agencies to address systemic corruption within state-level recruitment bodies. For the average citizen in Karnataka, these raids highlight the continued vulnerability of the public service commission to external influence and fraudulent practices. Moving forward, the findings of this probe are expected to drive significant changes in how recruitment examinations are outsourced to private tech firms. The ED’s scrutiny of senior KPSC leadership underscores a critical attempt to restore transparency to administrative hiring processes.