The State Department of Higher Education on Friday ordered an inquiry against Professor R K Somashekar, Registrar (Evaluation) of Bangalore University, following allegations of corruption in using official funds and appointment of custodians.
Prof I M Savadathi, former Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore university, has been appointed to conduct the inquiry and submit a report within three months. Savadathi said he had received the appointment order and was awaiting instructions to start the inquiry.
“The government had asked prof B Thimme Gowda, V-C of Bangalore University, to conduct an inquiry against the Registrar. But he recused himself from taking a decision as Somashekar is his distant relative and placed the matter before the Syndicate.
The Syndicate decided to seek an explanation from the Registrar, which has been forwarded to the Department,” states the Government Order, a copy of which is available with Express.
Earlier this year, C T Ravi, Higher Education Minister in the previous BJP government, had ordered an inquiry by a retired judge against Somashekar.
The principal secretary to the Department of Higher Education had even asked the V-C to conduct an inquiry and submit a report.
However, Gowda allegedly declined to take a decision as he was related to Somashekhar. The issue was then placed before the Syndicate, which sought Somashekhar’s explanation on the allegations.
Other Allegations against Somashekar
■ Appointed black-listed principals as custodians
■ Instead of appointing eight custodians, he appointed 23
■ Delayed evaluation process, allowing agents close to him to make money
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