Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has placed IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar under suspension with immediate effect, pending investigation into alleged corruption in recruitment processes conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).

The suspension was ordered through Government Order No. DPAR 259 SEC 2026, issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms on September 3.

Gangwar arrested in KPSC recruitment case

According to the government order, a letter from the Deputy Director, Directorate of Enforcement, Bengaluru Zonal Office, dated August 23, stated that material seized during a search and seizure operation under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, indicated alleged corruption in recruitment processes conducted by the KPSC.

The Enforcement Directorate communication attributed the alleged irregularities to Gangwar, who had served as the Controller of Examinations, KPSC.

A subsequent letter from the Director General of Police, CID, Special Units and Economic Offences, dated August 31, stated that Gangwar, currently Director of MSME, Bengaluru and formerly Controller of Examinations at KPSC, was arrested on August 29.

The arrest was made in connection with Vidhana Soudha Police Station Crime No. 89/2026 under Section 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 10 of the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023.

IAS officer remanded to custody

The CID stated that Gangwar was produced before the jurisdictional Magistrate and remanded to judicial custody on August 30.

He was subsequently taken into police custody on August 31 for further investigation into the case.

The Karnataka government said the allegations were serious in nature and concerned the integrity, transparency and fairness of the recruitment process.

The government also noted that Gangwar had remained in custody for more than 48 hours.

Suspension pending CID investigation

The government order said it was prima facie satisfied that Gangwar’s conduct amounted to a gross violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

Accordingly, exercising powers under Rule 3(2) read with Rule 3(3) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, the Karnataka government placed Gangwar under suspension until further orders.

The suspension will remain in force pending the CID investigation.

During the suspension period, Gangwar will be entitled to a subsistence allowance in accordance with the applicable rules. He will also not be permitted to leave the headquarters without written permission from the state government.