BENGALURU: The criminal investigation department (CID) has detained BJP leader Basavaraj Kannale in Delhi in connection with alleged irregularities in the KPSC recruitment of 400 veterinary officers, and is questioning his suspected links with IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, who was taken into custody in the same case, officials said on Monday.
Kannale is a syndicate member of Tumakuru University and has business interests including the travel sector. The CID suspects he may have played a role in the alleged irregularities. His role is being examined in connection with the examination conducted while he was serving as controller of examinations. The investigation began at Vidhana Soudha police station after complaints were filed by the department and an aspirant identified as Manjunath. The cirector general of police later transferred the case to the CID. His detention has also raised questions within the BJP after photographs showing him with senior party leaders at BJP events were circulated. “We are clear that whoever they are, if they are found to be part of the scam, should be punished. As for the photos, many people take photos with us. The investigation is examining the alleged role of middlemen, the handling of OMR sheets and question papers, and financial transactions associated with the recruitment process. BJP leader B Y Vijayendra Karandlaje has called for a CBI inquiry into the case, saying it was necessary to ensure transparency and accountability and restore public confidence in the recruitment system.
Senior CID officials said Kannale was in regular contact with Gangwar, who served as KPSC controller of examinations from 2024 until March 2026 and is now director of MSME in the industries department.
He owns buses and cabs, according to officials. Leader of the Opposition R Ashok said the photographs did not establish any connection to the alleged scam. It doesn’t prove anything,” he said.
Gangwar was taken into custody on Saturday after several hours of questioning after officials said he had not cooperated with investigators.
