Former law university VC sought bribes citing ‘Garden’: DVAC

Dr P Vanangamudi, former Vice Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University, along with other university employees had planned to collect Rs 20–Rs 30 lakh each for appointing 30 assistant professors in non-law subjects, claiming that the amount should be paid to the Garden (referring to the Poes Garden residence of late CM J Jayalalithaa) and law minister, according to an FIR by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).

Along with Vanangamudi, the DVAC has also listed Dr K S Sarwani, professor and HoD, department of distant education of the law university, V Balaji, in-charge registrar, Dr S K Ashok Kumar, deputy registrar in charge, D Jaishankar, deputy registrar (finance) and K Rajesh, son of administrative officer Kannan. 

The former VC had allegedly amassed huge wealth by corrupt and fraudulent means. He allegedly collected nearly Rs 25 lakh per person from 75 people and arranged false visas from foreign countries to admit locally-residing students under the 15 per cent quota for NRI students. He also allegedly received huge amounts as illegal gratification by inducting students who wanted to stay abroad by allowing them to remain there by faking attendance in the university. 

The accused was also involved in diverting funds meant for wood work, beautification, landscaping, purchase of furniture, computers and books. DVAC said all these activities happened when Vanangamudi was the VC between 2013 and 2017. 

The DVAC’s FIR noted said Vivek Jayaraman, Jaya TV CEO, and nephew of jailed AIADMK leader V K Sasikala, obtained admission under NRI quota in a 3-year LLB (Hons) course in 2015 without submitting the required documents. According to the FIR, at least six mandatory documents were required.