A high-ranking administrative official in Karnataka has gone missing under mysterious circumstances, triggering widespread concern across government circles. IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, who serves as the Director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises within the Department of Industries and Commerce, has reportedly lost all contact with his family members and official associates.
Heading to Delhi Before Disappearing
According to official details, Gangwar had booked a flight ticket to travel to Delhi and had set out to catch it. Subsequent tracking of his movements revealed that his final known location was recorded at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Ever since, his mobile phone has remained switched off, cutting off all available channels of communication.
Government Confirms Developments
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge confirmed the unfolding situation, stating that the state government is fully aware of the matter. However, he clarified that neither his family nor any other individual has lodged a formal missing person complaint so far. Authorities are currently reviewing the preliminary leads obtained from the airport as part of ongoing inquiries.
Service Background of the Officer
Gangwar belongs to the 2016 batch of the Indian Administrative Service. With all communication lines dead, law enforcement and administrative teams are examining every possible angle to trace his whereabouts. Officials noted that further investigative steps and subsequent actions will be decided based on the findings.
Link to KPSC Corruption Probe
Prior to his current assignment, Gangwar served as the Controller of Examinations at the Karnataka Public Service Commission. He was removed from that specific post back in March of this year. The commission is currently embroiled in a massive recruitment corruption scandal, which is already under active investigation by the Enforcement Directorate.
Recent Actions Against Commission Leadership
The state government recently decided to recommend the suspension of KPSC Chairman Shivasharanappa S. Sahukar to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, alongside initiating formal proceedings against him. Sahukar faces multiple corruption allegations, including charges of nepotism regarding his daughter securing a government job allegedly using a fake income certificate. Nevertheless, authorities have cautioned that there is no confirmed link between Gangwar going missing and his previous tenure at the commission.
