Probe into irregularities at Anna University: Inquiry panel summons COE

The Tamil Nadu government has constituted a panel by appointing retired judge P Kalaiyarasan as an investigation officer to probe into various allegations levelled against Anna University vice-chancellor MK Surappa. The State government had provided office space for the former judge at Greenways Road in the city.

A senior official from the Higher Education Department said more than 10 individuals, including a few academicians, have lodged complaints with the government so far, including at Chief Minister’s special cell, alleging that Surappa was involved in corruption, irregularities in his appointment using forged certificates and misusing his powers in the activities of the institutions.

The official said several staff members from Anna University have already appeared before the panel for clarifications with the latest one being the COE.

The COE will have to provide explanations with regard to the complaints in connection with the alleged financial irregularities and malpractices in the semester examination.

“He will also be asked to submit a detail report on the funds used for examinations,” he added.

The official pointed out that the investigation officer will decide whether to suspend a few suspected staff in the university.

The inquiry will continue for a couple of weeks and the investigation officer will submit his report to the State government for further decision.

Based on the report submitted by the officer, action will be initiated by the authorities against any person involved in irregularities.