comScore Gujarat University Professor Sent to Four-Day Remand in Rs 1.15 Crore Scam

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Vibes Of India
Vibes Of India

Gujarat University Professor Sent to Four-Day Remand in Rs 1.15 Crore Scam

| Updated: January 19, 2025 18:21

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has secured four days of remand for Dr Kamaljit Lakhtariya, an Associate Professor at Gujarat University, in connection with the alleged embezzlement of over Rs 1.15 crore from the university’s Animation Department on Satuday. Dr Lakhtariya, who served as the department’s coordinator, is accused of misappropriating funds between 2021 and 2023.

An internal audit flagged financial irregularities in 2023, prompting an investigation. The inquiry revealed unauthorised payments to knowledge partners, fund transfers to personal and relatives’ accounts, and additional expenditures exceeding approved limits.

A report prepared by chartered accountant Ronak D Shah, commissioned by the university, highlighted financial discrepancies, including Rs 1.14 crore in fees and payments made without approval and Rs 24 lakh in additional payments not specified in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Dr Lakhtariya allegedly used funds for personal gain, with significant amounts transferred to accounts linked to himself and his relatives. The investigation also uncovered expenditures lacking supporting documents or proper authorisation.

Following the audit findings, Gujarat University’s executive council met on April 14, 2024 and decided to relieve Dr Lakhtariya of his duties. Despite this, he failed to hand over official records and files, hindering the investigation.

Legal proceedings were subsequently initiated, with charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and financial fraud filed against him.

On Friday, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch registered a case and arrested Dr Lakhtariya. Inspector D B Patel confirmed the arrest and said, “The investigation will focus on understanding why Lakhtariya authorised payments to the department’s knowledge partners exceeding the agreed amounts and why Gujarat University received less than the stipulated funds.”

Authorities are collaborating with bank representatives to trace the flow of funds from Dr Lakhtariya’s accounts and identify the recipients. They are also examining whether others were involved in the alleged financial irregularities.

Further inquiries will scrutinise the misuse of departmental funds reportedly transferred to accounts of Dr Lakhtariya’s associates. 

Inspector Patel added, “We aim to determine if these discrepancies were carried out under instructions from others and identify any additional individuals involved in the financial mismanagement.”

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