Karnataka Government Grants Statewide Police Powers to SIT Investigating KPSC Recruitment Scam

The Karnataka government has officially designated the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment scam as a police station, granting it statewide jurisdiction, according to a government order issued on Friday, October 30, and reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI).

This notification enables the SIT to independently investigate cases, receive transferred records from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and file police reports directly before competent courts.

Background and Court Directions

The administrative move followed an October 28 direction from the Karnataka High Court. During the proceedings, Justice M Nagaprasanna criticized the state government for delays in making the SIT operational, despite a Supreme Court decision upholding the formation of a special team.

• High Court Critique: Justice Nagaprasanna noted that there were no legal barriers preventing the notification and urged Advocate General K Shashi Kiran Shetty to act without a lackadaisical attitude.
• Previous Orders: The SIT was originally formed following High Court directions on September 21 to investigate cases initially registered at Bengaluru's Vidhana Soudha Police Station.

Scope of Investigation

According to PTI, the newly empowered SIT is authorized to handle specific high-profile cases connected to the alleged irregularities:

• The appointment of the daughters of sacked KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar as industrial officers.
• Alleged large-scale irregularities in the recruitment process of veterinary doctors.

Legal Authority and Arrests

Under the October 30 notification issued pursuant to Section 2(1)(u) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the SIT officers are authorized to submit final investigation reports under Section 193 of the same code.

PTI reported that the ongoing investigation into the alleged recruitment scam has previously led to several arrests, including sacked KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, commission member B V Geetha, former examination controller Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, and alleged middleman Basavaraj Kannale. Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate is conducting a parallel probe into the matter.

Verification and Practical Implications

Citizens and legal observers can verify the administrative change by reviewing the official Karnataka government gazette notifications or tracking proceedings before the Karnataka High Court. The transition allows streamlined transfer of evidence from the CID, eliminating procedural bottlenecks for the specialized investigating unit.