Anna University scam: Former controller of exams, 2 others suspended

A day after the mega scam involving re-evaluation at Anna University (AU) was unearthed by Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) squad, the premier higher education institution’s former controller of examination GV Uma, who is the prime suspect in the case, was placed under suspension on Friday. The university Vice Chancellor said the action came after the charges against her were found to be prima facie true.

The DVAC registered cases against Uma and nine other professors and examiners for allegedly awarding marks in exchange for money during re-evaluation in 2017. The agency charged that about 70,000 out of the 3,00,000 students who applied for re-evaluation passed, including about 25 per cent (about 16,000 students) who obtained very high marks.

Taking a serious note of the case, Higher Education Minister K Anbalagan said stringent action would be taken against those involved in the scam. “It (scam) is almost proved. As the charges against Uma were established, she was placed under suspension and an order to this effect was issued after a meeting of top university officials,” the minister said.

“After getting required details from the authorities concerned, [further] action will be taken,” Anbalagan said.

Anna University Vice Chancellor MK Surappa claimed that the scam did not happen at Anna University campus. “It took place at an affiliated college of Anna University. But the damage has been done and I should accept it.” 

P Vijayakumar, principal of University College of Engineering, Villupuram, who was cited as the accused number two by the DVAC in the FIR, was placed under suspension. “A committee has been formed for investigation. If it is proved, action will be taken against him also,” Surappa said. 

Stating that the university has collected evidence regarding the cash transactions that took place as part of the scam, he said and added that the vigilance squad would come out with the exact details of the matter.

Surappa also indicated that the re-evaluation scam might have been going on for several years. The Vice Chancellor also urged the university syndicate and government to cooperate at this juncture.

Meanwhile, strongly condemning those involved in the scam, Joint Action Council of College Teachers, Tamil Nadu, sought stringent action against the offenders. “It is really a shame. All the persons who were involved in the scam should be severely punished as per the law,” JAC convenor S Dhamodharan said.