ED search on residences of former KPSC chairman, Social Welfare official

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out search on three residences in Kalaburagi, two of the former Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Shivashankarappa Sahu and the other of Assistant Director of the Shahapur Social Welfare Department Vijayalakshmi Kobalakar, in connection with the recruitment scam involving veterinary officers.

The search was part of a wider operation carried out at 13 locations across Karnataka, sources stated.

The ED is examining financial transactions and other evidence linked to the irregularities in the recruitment of 400 veterinary officers.

A team of more than 10 ED officials began the search at around 8 a.m. at Mr. Sahu’s residences in Anand Nagar and Karuneshwar Nagar in Kalaburagi. The premises were secured by BSF and CRPF personnel with security tightened in the surrounding areas.

The search continued for several hours. Around 1.30 p.m., officials were seen leaving the premises carrying bags containing documents and other material.

The ED team additionally carried out the search on the residence of Ms. Kobalakar in Oza Layout. Officials examined documents and information relating to financial transactions during the search which continued for a number of hours.

The recruitment of 400 veterinary officers has come under scrutiny following allegations of question paper leak, manipulation of OMR sheets and demands for capital.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating the recruitment irregularities.

The ED’s intervention assumes significance as the agency is examining the financial aspects of the case, including money trails, transactions, documents and other evidence.