Bengaluru: A special investigation team probing the cash-for-job scam at Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has written to govt seeking its nod to invoke the Prevention of Corruption Act in the case.So far, the criminal investigation department has investigated the case under sections 318(3), 318(4) (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 336(2), 336(3) (forgery/fraudulent acts), and 340(2) (forged document usage) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.Enforcement Directorate is investigating the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.The SIT letter has reached the department of personnel and administrative reforms (DPAR), sources confirmed to STOI. “DPAR, through the chief secretary, will clear the letter and the same will go to the chief minister for his nod. Once the chief minister gives the green signal, the PC Act will be included,” a source said Saturday.CM DK Shivakumar had recently sanctioned permission to prosecute suspended IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, one of the prime accused in the scam. Gangwar was the controller of KPSC exams when the alleged scam took place.Sanctioning the prosecution, Shivakumar had stated, “Our govt will not tolerate corruption or shield the guilty. Our govt will not tolerate any wrongdoing that jeopardises the future of our youth or undermines their faith in a fair and transparent recruitment process.”According to the sources, three accused — Gangwar, Shivashankarappa Sahukar and BV Geetha — will be charged directly under the Prevention of Corruption Act since they are public servants, while their henchman Basavaraj Kannale will be charged with abetting the corruption.“Including PC Act will surely strengthen the case,” a senior IPS officer said.Sahukar in 7-day police custodyThe SIT Saturday took suspended KPSC chief Shivashankarappa Sahukar into seven-day police custody. Sahukar, who was lodged in judicial custody at Bengaluru central prison, was taken to an undisclosed place for questioning, sources said.
