Guv suspends VTU V-C for fraud

Governor Vajubhai Vala has suspended Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Vice-Chancellor H Maheshappa, with immediate effect on charges of financial irregularities.

The crackdown comes three months ahead of the VC’s retirement, due on June 30 this year, on the basis of a report submitted by an inquiry committee headed by Justice K N Keshava Narayana. The committee found Maheshappa guilty of financial irregularities, among other lapses.

The governor, who is also the chancellor of all universities in the state, had appointed the committee following charges of malpractice against Maheshappa in appointments, construction works on the varsity campus and misuse of university funds.

The suspension order was faxed to Maheshappa’s office in Belagavi on Tuesday morning, Raj Bhavan sources said. Vala has appointed H G Shekarappa, registrar (evaluation), VTU,  to carry on the duties of the vice-chancellor with immediate effect and until further orders.

Soon after Justice Keshava Narayana committee submitted its report, the chancellor’s office had issued a notice to Maheshappa on January 29 this year and had given him 10 days to reply.

However, Maheshappa failed to reply. After a gap of  more than a month, he requested extension of  time through his letter dated March 3. He was granted time till March 13 but there was no reply from Maheshappa following which Vala directed Raj Bhavan officials to prepare the suspension order, the sources said.

Maheshappa was appointed as V-C of VTU in 2010 and is currently on his second term in office. The fact finding committee constituted following several complaints against Maheshappa was given 24 terms of reference.

Maheshappa is the second vice-chancellor in the state to be suspended by Governor Vala. Last year, the then Vice-Chancellor of Karnatak University H B Walikar was suspended following charges of corruption.