Shankar Bannur
Haveri: A candidate who emerged as the state topper in the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) recruitment examination with 151.25 marks allegedly used Google Lens to scan questions, search for answers online and mark them on his OMR sheet, CCTV footage from the examination centre in Shiggaon has revealed. Shankar Bannur, a resident of Elepet in Hanagal taluk, allegedly smuggled a mobile phone into the examination hall on Oct 4, as only Aadhaar cards were checked at the entrance. Preliminary findings reportedly confirmed the use of a mobile phone during the test.
Sources said he admitted to carrying the phone into the hall and using it to search for answers. He reportedly told police that he occupied a rear seat after entering the centre with the device. SP Yashodha Vantagudi said police were awaiting a formal complaint.
Seated in the rear row, he reportedly used the phone without attracting the attention of invigilators. Following complaints, Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) executive director H Prasanna sought a detailed examination of CCTV footage from the Shiggaon centre. Hanagal police summoned Bannur for questioning. Investigators are also examining possible lapses by invigilators and frisking staff that allowed the candidate to use a mobile phone during the examination.