Overview

• Searches were conducted at premises linked to BMS Engineering College, Akash Institute of Engineering and individuals associated with the Karnataka Examination Authority.
• Authorities allege over 2,000 engineering seats were fraudulently blocked and sold for financial gain during the 2024–25 academic session.
• The case was first investigated by Malleswaram Police in 2024, resulting in a dozen arrests before the ED took charge under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
• Investigators are targeting bank records and documents to trace illicit fund flows and identify a broader network behind the fraud.
• Officials suspect collusion between KEA insiders, private agents and certain colleges in manipulating seat allocations for profit.