JNTUH probes missing files, finance officer disappears
HYDERABAD: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTUH) has launched an internal inquiry after files went missing from its Finance Department and a finance official, Surender, remained absent from work for about 20 days.
University officials said Surender’s mobile phone has been switched off and he has not reported for duty, prompting the administration to conclude that he is missing. The finance office has since been sealed. Security personnel told officials that Surender visited the office two days earlier and removed some files, following which the university found that several records were missing.
Temporary charge handed over
Vice-Chancellor Prof. T. Kishen Kumar Reddy held an emergency meeting with the registrar and directors on Thursday and temporarily entrusted the responsibilities of the Finance Department to Registrar A. Jayalakshmi.
The university has begun an internal inquiry following allegations of financial irregularities involving crores of rupees. Officials also suspect that the alleged irregularities date back about three years and may involve a former senior official of the Examinations Department.
Audit raises objections
According to university officials, the Examinations Department spent ₹37.62 crore during the 2023–24 financial year on conducting examinations, purchasing equipment, paying remuneration to evaluators and other activities. However, supporting receipts were reportedly available for only ₹30 crore, prompting audit objections.
Officials also found that ₹10.11 lakh was paid in excess as remuneration to 11 personnel, including an examinations official, about two years ago. They further identified discrepancies in the accounts related to the university’s convocation held two years ago.
Quoting the Vice-Chancellor, the university said it had initially believed Surender was absent due to personal reasons. However, the disappearance of files and allegations of corruption prompted a comprehensive inquiry.
“We came to know that the police have registered a case against him at Station Ghanpur police station. If the allegations of irregularities are found to be true, legal action will be initiated,” Prof. T. Kishen Kumar Reddy said.
