HYDERABAD: The state government has ordered an investigation into alleged corruption involving JNTU former vice chancellor Prof. Katta Narasimha Reddy. The move, reportedly directed by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, has garnered support from student activists, who have called for a rigorous review by a committee, led by a sitting judge, before appointing a new VC.
It was less than two weeks back that students had levelled serious allegations of forgery after letter surfaced withdrawing the accusations of corruption made against Prof. Narasimha Reddy. The forged letter, allegedly bearing one of the students’ falsified signatures, was submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in an attempt to retract the allegations against Reddy.
“It is shameful that someone has gone to the extent of forging my signature to mislead the CMO and cover up the corruption complaints against Prof.r Reddy,” Dharmarapu Srikanth, state secretary of the Madiga Students Federation (MSF) Telangana, told Deccan Chronicle.
The complaints against Prof. Narasimha Reddy, who served as VC from 2021 to 2024, focus on allegations of financial misappropriation and misuse of power.
According to the complaint, Prof. Narasimha Reddy and his associates allegedly siphoned funds meant for underprivileged students and engaged in illegal activities that adversely impacted the university’s finances.
“They operated like a pack of wolves, preying on the university’s resources. Despite being ineligible for another term due to age restrictions, he has been spending large sums and using his connections to lobby for a return to the university,” the complainants had said.
Following the decision to appoint a probe panel, students stated that this will restore faith in the educational institution.
“The authorities must ensure a fair inquiry, shedding light on any unethical practices and taking stringent action against those found guilty,” another student told this newspaper.
