Fresh inquiry into BU prof’s ‘misconduct’

The Higher Education Department has formed a one-man committee to conduct a probe into the alleged misconduct and misuse of the university treasury by Bangalore University (BU) professor, R K Somashekar of the Environmental Science Department.

The inquiry into the alleged irregularities during Somashekar’s tenure as Registrar (Evaluation) was ordered by the Karnataka Governor.

Justice Ashok B Hinchigeri, a former judge of the high court, will be conducting the fresh inquiry. He will submit a report to the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, within three months.

Earlier, BU had formed a one-man inquiry committee, which was headed by I M Savadatti. Conducting the primary inquiry, the committee had submitted a report, which was not sufficient to file a charge sheet.

However, another one-man committee headed by retired civil court judge Vasanth H Mulasavalagi was formed by the government, which was withdrawn later.

The department has ordered BU to provide the necessary facilities for the new inquiry officer. It has also ordered BU to file the primary inquiry report by I M Savadatti and other documents, apart from cooperating with the new inquiry.