Karnataka: Graft chit to nail Visvesvaraya Technological University official?

Bengaluru: A city-based engineering college has alleged that a Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) official had demanded a bribe of Rs 25 lakh for a ‘positive’ report. However, the official has denied the allegation and threatened to sue the college.

The principal and management of AMC engineering college, located on Bannerghatta road, lodged a complaint with governor's office on Friday against VTU Local Inquiry Committee Chairman for the college Dr Aravind Guruji.

In a three-page letter to the Governor and Principal Secretary, state higher education department, the college principal, Dr T.N.  Sreenivasa, and college management committee chairman Dr K.R. Paramahamsa have alleged that the committee had visited the college, as scheduled, on May 25.

It was headed by Guruji, who is also Executive Council member of VTU. "At the time of the LIC visit, Guruji wanted to meet the management separately in the chamber. He has also commanded our chairman to come to certain location, room no 108, Gold Finch hotel," the letter alleged.

"When the principal greeted the committee chairman, he said the college has an annual turnover of Rs 25 crore and demanded that he be paid Rs 25 lalkh. He wrote the figures on a piece of paper and tore it the next moment," the complaint alleged.

"Guruji suggested that we bring Rs 25 lakh before 8.30 pm on May 26 to room no 108 so that he can complete the inspection on May 27. Otherwise he said he would provide a negative report to the university," the college management alleged.

In their letter both Dr Sreenivasa and Dr Paramahamsa also alleged that Guruji didn't behave properly with the college faculty. They had even attached two CCTV footage as proof.

Official rebuts charges
When contacted, Aravind Guruji said he will file a defamation case against  Dr Sreenivasa for making wild, baseless allegations.

Guruji said the college had no prescribed infrastructure and other facilities, including qualified teaching faculty. "When I questioned about these things, they have leveled these allegations.  I will sue them for defaming me," he said.

"Let them lodge complaint with any authority. I will prove my integrity," he said.

Guruji informed that college principal was very rude with him at the time of the committee’s visit.