Karnataka IAS Officer Gyanendra Kumar Goes Missing Amid KPSC Row
Karnataka IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, a 2016-batch IAS officer, has reportedly gone missing and has been unreachable since August 20, with his last known trace at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. The development comes amid an ongoing controversy surrounding the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), although authorities have not confirmed any connection between the two developments.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the state government had received information about Gangwar’s whereabouts but confirmed that no formal missing-person complaint had yet been filed by his family or anyone else.
Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar Last Traced at Bengaluru Airport
According to information received by the Karnataka government, Gangwar was last traced to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. His mobile phone has reportedly been switched off, while authorities are examining his movements to determine whether he travelled from Bengaluru to Delhi.
“All modes of communication with him have been disconnected, and he is not reachable. As of now, we have information that he was last traced to Kempegowda International Airport,” Kharge told reporters.
The minister said authorities had received information from the airport and were examining the available details. He added that the government was investigating the matter and would decide on the further course of action.
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IAS Officer Had Reportedly Booked Delhi Flight
Sources cited by PTI said Gangwar had reportedly booked a flight ticket to Delhi before he became unreachable.
Authorities are now checking travel records and other available information to establish whether the IAS officer left Bengaluru and, if so, when and by what route.
At present, there is no official confirmation about his current location or the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Gangwar’s Role in Karnataka Government and KPSC
Gangwar is currently serving as Director, MSME, in Karnataka’s Department of Industries and Commerce.
He previously served as Controller of Examinations at the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). He was replaced from the position in March this year.
His reported disappearance comes at a time when the KPSC is facing scrutiny over allegations relating to recruitment examinations and alleged irregularities.
However, authorities have not confirmed any link between Gangwar’s disappearance and the ongoing KPSC controversy.
Karnataka Government Recommends Action Against KPSC Chief
The KPSC controversy has intensified in recent weeks. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the state Cabinet on Friday decided to recommend to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot that KPSC chairperson Shivashankarappa S Sahukar be suspended and that an inquiry be initiated against him.
Sahukar has faced allegations of corruption and nepotism, including allegations that his daughter was selected for a government position using a false income certificate.
The allegations are part of wider scrutiny surrounding the functioning of the commission and recruitment examinations.
Karnataka High Court Reinstated KPSC Chairperson
The KPSC controversy has also reached the Karnataka High Court.
The Governor had suspended Sahukar on July 13, citing allegations including non-disclosure of important information and misbehaviour. However, the Karnataka High Court ordered his reinstatement on August 18, observing that the Governor’s decision had not been taken with the aid and advice of the Cabinet.
Kharge said the state government had decided to reiterate its earlier position and advise the Governor to suspend Sahukar and initiate an inquiry.
ED Searches KPSC-Linked Premises
The KPSC has also come under investigation in an alleged recruitment examination scam.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday searched premises linked to the KPSC, Sahukar, commission member Shanta Hosmani and others as part of a money-laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment examination for veterinary officers.
The investigation adds to the pressure surrounding the commission as authorities examine allegations related to recruitment processes.
No Confirmed Link Between Missing Officer and KPSC Row
While Gangwar’s previous role at the KPSC has drawn attention to the timing of his reported disappearance, there is currently no official confirmation that the two matters are connected.
Authorities are continuing to examine his last known movements, airport information and other available details. The immediate priority remains establishing Gangwar’s whereabouts and understanding the circumstances in which contact with him was lost.
What Happens Next?
The Karnataka authorities are expected to continue checking Gangwar’s travel and communication records as they investigate his whereabouts. Any formal missing-person complaint, if filed, could lead to further investigative steps.
The development is likely to attract additional attention because of Gangwar’s previous role at the KPSC and the commission’s ongoing legal and investigative scrutiny. However, until authorities establish a factual connection, the reported disappearance and the KPSC controversy should be treated as separate developments.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information attributed to PTI and statements and details provided by the user. Some portions may have been assisted or generated using AI for editorial drafting and SEO optimisation. Facts, allegations and developments should be independently verified against official statements before publication or republication.
