CID traces alleged Rs 11-crore money trail in Karnataka veterinary officer recruitment scam

Bengaluru, Sept 18: The alleged veterinary officer recruitment scam in Karnataka has taken a significant turn, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probing a suspected Rs 11-crore money trail involving candidates and individuals whose names have surfaced during the investigation.

The probe has gained momentum after candidates allegedly told CID officials that money was paid to secure veterinary officer appointments. Investigators are now scrutinising bank transactions to trace the flow of funds and establish the alleged network behind the recruitment irregularities.

The investigation is understood to cover 11 candidates and alleged transactions amounting to around Rs 11 crore. Statements recorded from candidates have reportedly provided investigators with leads on how the alleged money collection was organised and who may have received the payments.

A Rs 70-lakh transaction allegedly made by one candidate to the bank account of an individual identified as Jnanendra has emerged as a key focus of the investigation. CID officials are examining the circumstances surrounding the transfer and its alleged connection with the recruitment process.

The role of Basavaraj Kannale has also come under scrutiny, with investigators examining financial transactions involving him and others allegedly linked to the recruitment process.

According to information emerging from the questioning, some candidates allegedly routed payments through bank accounts to ensure that there was a record of the transactions. They reportedly feared that those promising jobs could later deny receiving money if the appointments failed to materialise.

Around nine candidates have reportedly provided information to CID officials during questioning, giving investigators further leads into the alleged racket. The candidates are alleged to have been promised appointments in return for payments of around Rs 80 lakh each.

CID officials are independently verifying these allegations against bank records, statements and other available evidence. Investigators are also collecting details of payments allegedly made by candidates to Jnanendra, Basavaraj Kannale and persons associated with them, while examining the purpose and sequence of the transactions.

The financial trail could prove crucial in determining whether the alleged payments were directly linked to promises of appointments or manipulation of the recruitment examination.

The CID investigation is continuing, with officials questioning more candidates and examining bank records and other evidence to establish the full extent of the alleged recruitment irregularities.