Rs 200-cr scam:Guv orders inquiry against VTU Registrar

The Registrar of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has come under lens after Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala ordered a probe into alleged irregularities of Rs 200 crore in the varsity.

Dr S Vishwanath and Dr Vasudeva Murthy, parents of two VTU students, had written to the Governor in October saying H N Jagannath Reddy was involved in irregularities since the time of appointment as Registrar (on deputation). Reddy has denied the charges.

“...Dr Reddy has earned (not less than Rs 200 crore) huge assets, still investing huge amount in real estate around Bengaluru city and Bengaluru urban in the name of his family members,” the complaint says.

The Governor had initially asked for a report from VTU Vice-Chancellor. He found it unsatisfactory and appointed Retired District and Sessions Judge D S Shinde in January to inquire into the case.

Documents available with DH show that VTU V-C Karisidappa directed the registrar to appear before the inquiry officer. “You are hereby informed to provide all eligible official assistance, space and conveyance facility to the inquiry officer appointed by the Governor of Karnataka,” says the V-C’s letter to the registrar written in January first week.

The inquiry was supposed to begin from January 7.

In his letter to the registrar, Justice D S Shinde requested Jagannath Reddy to furnish his remarks on the complaint made on or before 11-01-2019. However, Reddy has challenged this in the Karnataka High Court.

He has made the Department of Higher Education, VTU, VTU V-C Karisiddappa, Inquiry Officer S Shinde, Dr Vasudev Murthy and Dr S Vishwanath as respondent parties. Reddy denied the allegations.

“These are all well-planned allegations planted against me to pull me down from the position. It’s not that easy to misuse power as stated in the complaint. I have followed all the norms in my duty. So I have challenged this in the high court. Since this is in the court of law, I cannot talk more on this.”