A probe agency has taken decisive action by attaching assets belonging to a Karnataka Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in connection with a recruitment scam that shook the state. The attachment of assets marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.
The case revolves around a scam in the recruitment of police sub-inspectors in Karnataka. The alleged scam pertains to the Karnataka Police recruitment cell conducting an examination for filling up 545 vacancies of sub-inspectors in the state police department. After the results were announced, allegations of cheating and corrupt practices emerged, prompting the Karnataka government to order an investigation.
The Crime Investigation Department (CID) wing of the Bengaluru Police took over the probe, leading to the registration of a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The investigation revealed a disturbing network of individuals involved in manipulating the recruitment process for monetary gains. It was found that candidates allegedly paid hefty sums, reportedly around Rs 50 lakh, to secure examination centers where cheating was facilitated. This involved collusion with middlemen and police officers who were part of the recruitment process. The probe further revealed tampering of OMR (optical mark recognition) answer sheets at the recruitment cell in Bengaluru. Startlingly, one candidate who had only answered questions accounting for 31.5 marks was awarded 121 out of 150 marks.
The probe agency's action of attaching the IPS officer's assets underscores the seriousness of the case and the commitment to ensuring accountability. The attached assets, which are worth approximately ₹460 crore, include illegally allotted MUDA sites, personal immovable properties, and at least one commercial building constructed using the alleged proceeds of crime. More recently, the Bengaluru zonal office of the ED provisionally attached 10 immovable properties under the PMLA, which included six MUDA sites, three personal properties, and one commercial building, together valued at about ₹20.85 crore. These attachments are provisional, a legal procedure that prevents the transfer or sale of assets while the investigation proceeds.
The investigation has led to the arrest of several individuals, including Amrit Paul, a senior IPS officer who headed the recruitment department. Paul was arrested after a primary probe allegedly revealed his role in the scam. The CID had been questioning Paul for four days before his arrest.
The scale of the irregularities prompted the government to annul the results of the sub-inspector recruitment exam and order a thorough CID probe. The CID's investigation has led to the arrest of 79 individuals, including police officers, middlemen, and candidates who benefited from the manipulation.
The recruitment scam has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation, with calls for strict action against those found guilty. The Karnataka government has expressed its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent investigation, vowing to bring all culprits to justice.
