Bengaluru, 25 August

ABVP cadres staged protests near the chief minister's residence and Freedom Park here on Tuesday, demanding action against those allegedly involved in KPSC irregularities and seeking a CBI probe into the alleged scam.

The protesters also gathered near Mourya Circle, where they reportedly sat on the road, disrupting traffic.

Police deployed a large force and detained several ABVP activists, with visuals showing protesters being picked up and taken away in buses.

The protesters alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment exams and recruitment of veterinary officers.

"This is so unfair. If there is corruption like this, how will we get jobs through fair means? People who study hard are not getting government jobs, while those who pay money are getting places," a protestor said.

"The system has to change. KPSC must be saved. This is the future of our state and the future of our country," the student said, demanding justice for aspirants.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists also protested near the CM's Home Office, Krishna, raising slogans against the government and accusing it of being "anti-student".

They also gathered near the spot where Chief Minister D K Shivakumar was present and blocked the road.

The protesters alleged that they were not being allowed to hold the agitation at Freedom Park and subsequently moved into areas around Majestic and Freedom Park.

Police attempted to disperse them and detained several protesters.

The students demanded that those responsible for the alleged KPSC scam should not be protected and called for a CBI investigation into the matter.

The Karnataka Cabinet recently decided to recommend to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot the suspension of Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar.

The decision comes days after the Karnataka High Court quashed Sahukar's earlier suspension and directed his reinstatement, while leaving open the possibility of fresh proceedings if the prescribed constitutional procedure is followed.

The High Court had held that the Governor cannot independently suspend Sahukar under Article 317(2) of the Constitution without the prior aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

Sahukar was suspended by the Governor on July 13 following allegations that he had facilitated the alleged illegal selection of his two daughters as Industrial Extension Officers.

Large-scale irregularities had also been alleged in the recruitment of veterinary doctors.