Four held for cash-for-marks scam at B'lore university

A former Bangalore University Syndicate member and a few lecturers were taken into custody by the Halasuru Gate Police on Monday to ascertain their involvement in the cash-for-marks scam.

“We are questioning former BU syndicate member Vedamurthy to ascertain his involvement. We may arrest him if we are convinced about his role,” DCP (Central) B R Ravikanthegouda told Deccan Herald.

Those taken into custody include Kotraiah, Suresh and Prabhu, all lecturers, who too are likely to be arrested.

The swoop on the four follows interrogation of two daily wage workers of the examination section – Gangadharaiah and Chandrashekar – on April 12, who alleged their involvement. The four allegedly collected money from those who had failed, making them apply for revaluation their papers.

They would ensure failed candidates secured minimum marks required to clear the paper, he said.

Some BU authorities had informed senior police officers about the cash-for-marks scam recently. The BU Syndicate meeting too had debated the issue.

The police took suo motu notice and began the probe which led to the arrests.
They would contact students of BA, BSc and BCom streams and collect between Rs 30,000 and Rs 35,000 per subject.

They would collect student's registration number and get in touch with few evaluators known to them. They would identify the papers based on some secret code and ensure minimum marks, police said. If the method failed, the duo would change the marks while preparing the marks cards.

Bangalore University Registrar (Evaluation) Prof Ninge Gowda said told Deccan Herald that the university was yet to get the details from the police.

“Once we gather the details, we will constitute an inquiry committee. The decision will have to be passed in the Syndicate. The vice chancellor will take a call on the issue on Tuesday,” he said.

VC Prof Thimme Gowda was not available for comment.