Ex-KPSC chairman denied anticipatory bail in Karnataka veterinarians recruitment scam

Shivashankarappa is facing CID investigation for alleged fraud in the recruitment of 400 veterinarians for the Karnataka Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department. The investigation followed a complaint by a veterinarian, Dr Manjunath, who alleged that the entrance examination was rigged, with around 29 candidates gaining access to the questions before the exam.

“Undisputedly, he was the chairman of KPSC and being the custodian of the said institution was responsible and duty bound to conduct a fair, corruption-free selection process which includes conducting examination, valuation of answer papers and announcement of the eligible/selected candidates and for conducting of interview etc.,” the court said on Tuesday.

“The alleged offence is sensitive, related to public interest and affects the interest of the society at large and the custody of the petitioner is required for interrogation, and at this stage the petitioner has not established valid reasons for grant of anticipatory bail,” the court said.

The former KPSC chairman, who was suspended in July by the state Governor in connection with another case of alleged fraud involving his daughter, is also accused in the veterinarians recruitment case registered by the Bengaluru police on July 25. Action was taken after it was found that Shivashankarappa’s daughter was allegedly recruited as an industrial extension officer using a fake income certificate under the OBC quota.

He has been booked for cheating by breach of contract and under the Karnataka Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Corruption and Unfair Means of Recruitment) Act, 2023.