Panel to probe Anna University VC Surappa from his appointment date

The state government had appointed retired judge P Kalaiyarasan as an investigation officer to probe into various allegations levelled against Surappa. A senior official from the Higher Education Department told DT Next that three individuals have lodged complaints with the government, including at Chief Minister’s special cell against the Anna University VC alleging that he had involved in corruption, irregularities in the appointment by using forged certificates and misusing his powers in the activities of the institutions.

“Apart from this, many complaints regarding financial irregularities and malpractices in semester examination and revaluation were also received by the government,” he added.

Stating that the inquiry commission will start its investigation during the next few days, the official said that the investigation officer might decide whether to suspend a few suspected staff in the university, including Surappa, who cannot continue in office as per rule when the probe is on.

The retired judge Kalaiyarasan, who met the Higher Education Department principal secretary and high-level authorities to receive certain documents related to the investigation also said that the probe would begin from the date of Surappa’s appointment.

“The persons who had lodged complaints against Surappa were asked to submit all the evidence to the investigation officer as soon as possible since the final report will have to be submitted to the government within three months,” he said.

The Higher Education official said the inquiry officer is specifically empowered, with the concurrence of the state government to utilise their services of its officers and investigation agencies considering the exigencies of the probe.

Stating that the investigation officer will be provided with all adequate secretarial facilities as required, the official said, “the probe will be done without disturbing any academic and administrative activities of the university.”

“Based on the report submitted by the officer, action will be initiated by the government against any person, who was involved in irregularities if it is been proved,” he added.