CID raids life insurance firm in Bidar over KPSC recruitment scam

Bengaluru, Sept 5: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has intensified its probe into the alleged Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment scam, conducting a search at the office of a private life insurance company in Bidar on Saturday, sources said.

A CID team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Aslam Basha searched the office of Suvidha Private Limited, a life insurance company, as part of its investigation into the financial transactions and alleged investments linked to KPSC recruitment scam accused Basavaraj Kannale.

Officials reportedly examined company records and other documents to ascertain whether Kannale had invested money in the firm. The search forms part of a wider investigation into the alleged movement and investment of proceeds linked to the recruitment scam.

The CID has already frozen around 10 to 15 bank accounts in connection with the case, including accounts allegedly belonging to Kannale and his associates Pavan Reddy and Omkar. The trio has also been issued notices to appear for questioning, sources said.

CID teams have been conducting searches at several locations in Bidar over the past four days, examining bank transactions, documents, laptops and other material allegedly connected to Kannale's financial dealings.

The investigation has now widened beyond the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers. The CID is examining whether similar deals were made in recruitments for posts such as Junior Engineers and Panchayat Development Officers, as well as in departments including Public Works and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.

Investigators are also looking into suspected irregularities in recruitments conducted in 2023 and whether Kannale had played a role in them.

Following Kannale's arrest, the CID has intensified searches in Bidar to trace the alleged money trail and identify possible beneficiaries and associates linked to the recruitment racket.