KAS recruitment rocked by alleged Rs 1.5 crore cash-for-post racket

Bengaluru, Sept 11 : The Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) recruitment has been rocked by allegations that posts were allegedly offered for between Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.5 crore each, prompting the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to widen its probe into suspected irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitments.

The allegations pertain to the 2023-24 KAS recruitment for 384 posts and have triggered a fresh political controversy, with Home Minister Priyank Kharge challenging the BJP to produce documentary evidence to substantiate its claims.

The CID probe reportedly gained momentum following a raid at the residence of a KAS candidate in Kalaburagi who had completed the examination and interview and was awaiting the results.

Investigators are understood to be examining the alleged involvement of more than 10 candidates from Kalaburagi, Bidar and Yadgir districts. The probe is reportedly looking into allegations that KAS appointments were being negotiated for Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore per post.

KPSC member Shanta Hosmani has also come under scrutiny in connection with the allegations. An FIR was registered against Hosmani and candidate Mamata following a complaint lodged at the Vidhana Soudha police station in Bengaluru. The CID is examining their alleged links and the evidence gathered during the investigation.

The allegations have raised wider questions over the 384-post recruitment, including whether any appointments were compromised and whether the suspected network involved officials, intermediaries or candidates.

Reacting to the allegations, Priyank Kharge accused the BJP of making claims without producing evidence and challenged its leaders to place documentary proof before the public.

“Don't fire in the air. If you have documents, put them on the table and speak,” he said.

Kharge also questioned what he described as the BJP's repeated focus on his name and challenged Opposition leaders, including Vijayendra Yediyurappa and R Ashoka, to speak about other individuals whose names had surfaced in connection with the controversy.

“Come before the press and speak about Basavaraj Kannale and Dr Hosmani,” he said, questioning why the Opposition was allegedly selective in naming individuals.

Kharge maintained that the government would not protect anyone found guilty and said the investigation should establish the facts on the basis of evidence. He also rejected allegations that the CID action was politically motivated, accusing the Opposition of attempting to turn the KPSC controversy into a political battle.

The KAS allegations have intensified scrutiny of the KPSC, which is already facing questions over suspected irregularities in the recruitment of veterinary officers.

The CID probe is expected to establish the extent of the alleged racket, the number of candidates involved and whether officials or intermediaries facilitated the purported cash-for-post deals.