CHENNAI: Acting on an Express report on the alleged trading of a seat at the Dr Ambedkar Government Arts College in Vyasarpadi here by its principal in-charge S Navamani, the Directorate of Collegiate Education conducted an inquiry at the institution on Tuesday and submitted a report to the Higher Education Department. Navamani, who was caught on tape negotiating and accepting money from a student promising him a BCom seat, did not attend duty and remained incommunicado. It is learnt that three students testified against Navamani before joint director of Collegiate Education Kanniga and additional director of Collegiate Education Man Singh.
“One student presented video and audio records to substantiate his accusation that Navamani took a bribe of Rs 7,000 as advance from him. Another student alleged that he paid Rs 10,000 for admission in a course. A boy complained that he was denied admission as he could not pay the bribe,” said a source privy to the inquiry.
While around four teachers, who were shown the video by the inquiry team, confirmed that the man receiving the money was indeed Navamani, a few teachers reportedly said they were unable to identify him. “The officials questioned the boy, who provided the video clip, on how they may conclude that he was the one who handed over the cash to Navamani since the boy is not seen in the video. The boy responded that since the video was shot secretly he was missing from the frame. The officials warned the boy that he could face action if he was found to be lying, but the student stood his ground,” the source added. “The inquiry report has been submitted. We will take action based on government orders,” director of Collegiate Education (in-charge) Sekar told Express.