NT EXPLAINER: What is Karnataka PSI exam scam all about?

By Hameed Ashraf | NT

What is the Karnataka PSI recruitment scam?
In October, 54,104 candidates appeared for the PSI exam across 92 exam centers in Karnataka for 545 vacancies held. After the results were declared, many allegations relating to the irregularities in the recruitment process started cropping up. More than 43 candidates were selected from Afzalpur Taluk in Kalaburagi which further raised the suspicion. After inquiry, the evidence of misconduct was found on April 7 this year following which the state Home Minister Araga Jnanendra had asked the CID to investigate the recruitment process. An FIR was filed on April 9.

What are the findings of the CID probe?
On Monday, the CID raided the Jnana Jyothi English Medium School, which was one of the exam centres in Kalaburagi district. The Financial Intelligence Unit of CID, found that one of the selected candidates, Veeresh, attended only 12 questions, yet scored 120 marks to secure seventh rank. It was found that Veeresh’s OMR sheet was later filled with right answers by his associates. The investigation found that he had paid Rs 36 lakh to forge his OMR sheet.

The school belonged to Divya Hagaragi, former women’s wing president of the BJP in Kalaburagi. On the previous day, the CID sleuths had raided her home but couldn’t find her. Divya’s husband, Rajesh Hagaragi was arrested for not co-operating with the investigation.

Did Karnataka Police respond to the developments?
Director general and inspector general of police (DG and IGP) Praveen Sood told News Trail that the CID is investigating the case as per the orders of Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and many are being interrogated. Necessary action will be taken against the accused after receiving the probe report, he said.

He said seven persons, including four candidates and three invigilators, have been arrested so far while many are still absconding. “Efforts are on to nab them,” he said.

What is the State government’s stand?
After Divya Hagaragi’s name got embroiled in the scam, there was a lot of pressure for the ruling government to clear the air. In a press release, the BJP said she was not associated with the party and promised to take strict action against her if she was found guilty. According to sources, Hagaragi is a nominated member of the Karnataka State Nursing Council and DISHA committee of the Union government.

On his visit to Hagaragi’s residence three months ago, the home minister said, “There is no need to add significance to my visit. The investigation is going on and those involved will face action.

How big is the scam?
CID sleuths broke open Divya Hagaragi’s house and confiscated some documents during Sunday’s raid. Congress MLA Priyanka Kharge demanded resignation of home minister Araga Jnanendra alleging scam of Rs 210 crore in the recruitment of PSIs. He alleged that around 300 candidates paid between Rs 70 lakh to 80 lakh each to the minister.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the CID has been given free hand to probe the irregularities. He said the government will decide on conducting a re-exam for the post of Police Sub Inspector after getting the CID report. Meanwhile, the police have launched a search to find out Divya who is absconding since the CID launched its investigation.

What is the process to select Police Sub-Inspectors (PSI)?
Selection is based on a written test, interview and physical endurance test. The written test will measure the candidates’ language proficiency, general awareness and mental ability. Those who clear the test will be called for an interview which will be followed by a physical endurance test. Graduation is the basic education qualification to apply for the examination.