An inquiry commission appointed by the government has concluded that the allegations of misuse of funds by Prof R K Somashekar, the then registrar (evaluation) of Bangalore University, are true.
Prof M I Savadatti, former vice-chancellor of Mangalore University and inquiry officer, submitted the report to the Department of Higher Education recently, a copy of which is available with Express.
In its conclusion, the report says: “On the whole, Prof
R K Somashekar displayed tendencies to have things to his advantage without any regard for rules or by manipulating them in a way suitable or advantageous to him.”
The report added, “This has resulted in considerable financial loss in project management with little contribution to the advancement of knowledge.”
Among other things, Prof Somashekar is accused of transferring all the fees from his consultancy work into his personal account. The government constituted an inquiry commission last September.
A senior official of the Higher Education Department told Express, “Following a request made by the commission, we had extended the date to wrap up the probe. The commission has now submitted the report and it will be forwarded to the Higher Education Minister for further action.”
Reacting, Prof Somashekar, said, “The university is an organisation and it has its own set of rules and regulations. How can it allow me to play as I like? There are rules and bodies at the university to govern me. I have never ever attempted to disrespect the rules.
“The committee was formed to probe allegations. There was no need to make such comments,” he said.
Somashekar worked as consultant for many companies including Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Karnataka Niravari Nigama and transferred consultancy charges of `60 lakh to his personal account. According to university rules, the consultancy charge must be deposited with university account and university Finance Officer will divide it. Of the charges, 30 pc will go to administrative charges and 70 pc will be provided for department developmental work. Once the amount is credited to the university’s account, the consultant share’s is released. He also appointed black-listed principals as custodians. Instead of appointing eight custodians, he appointed 23. He also delayed evaluation process allowing agents close to him to make money.