Infighting over funds: BU forms fact-finding committee

The Bangalore University Syndicate has resolved to constitute a fact-finding committee to probe the fight between its senior officers over the release of funds for a civil project.

The committee, headed by BU in-charge VC H N Ramesh, will have following members: Registrar B K Ravi, Registrar (Evaluation) C Shivaraju, Finance Officer A Lokesh and Dean (Science dept) I S Shivakumar.

The fight occurred on October 13 over sanctioning of Rs 45 lakh for completing the construction of compound for UVCE campus.

Background

The BU has a committee headed by Vijayasimha, a syndicate member, to scrutinise bills before approving them. Puttaswamy, chief engineer, BU, is the committee’s convenor.

According to sources, Puttaswamy summoned Vijayasimha to his chamber for a discussion over sanctioning of funds. Meanwhile, Chandrashekhar, assistant engineer, and Lakshman, contractor, also went to Puttaswamy’s chamber.

A heated argument ensued between Puttaswamy and others as the latter refused to sign papers for funds sanction.

It is said that they exchanged unparliamentary words and issued threats to each other.

The committee will now look into the matter and ascertain the truth. The meeting has decided to serve show-cause notices on Puttaswamy, Lakshman and Chandrashekhar setting a week’s deadline for their replies. The committee will study replies, prepare a report and submit the same to the state government.