Rani Channamma University officials held over fraud allegations

The Belagavi police have arrested three officials of Rani Channamma University in connection with an alleged financial misappropriation of more than ₹32 lakh, involving employees’ Provident Fund (PF) and National Pension System (NPS) contributions.

Assistant Registrar H.M. Murigesh, First Division Assistant Sandeep Burli, and Mahesh Viresh Wali have been arrested. Investigators are looking for another accused, Ramu Hanchinal, who is absconding. This follows a complaint filed by RCU officials after an internal inquiry.

According to the complaint, PF amounts deducted from the salaries of employees appointed under the consolidated-pay system were allegedly not deposited into their respective accounts. Instead, the accused allegedly diverted funds to their personal bank and NPS accounts.

Under the arrangement, 10% of the employees’ salaries were deducted as their contribution, while the university was required to make an equal 10% contribution. The complaint alleges that amounts exceeding the prescribed contribution were diverted to accounts linked to the accused.

The complaint has also alleged irregularities in transactions involving various allowances and income-tax payments, resulting in financial losses to both the university and its employees.

The complaint was filed at the police station in Kakati on September 8. Officers began investigating the alleged irregularities. The three arrested officials were reportedly apprehended from the Varur area near Hubballi and produced before a court. The court has remanded them in 14 days of judicial custody.

Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam told reporters that investigators had accumulated enough evidence against the accused to apprehend them. The investigation is continuing, with officials examining financial records, documents and transactions to establish the extent of the alleged misappropriation.

Police sources said that the accused Ramu Hanchinal is currently employed at Bagalkot University. Efforts are under way to trace and apprehend him.