The CBI Inspection Committee is under scrutiny as ten officials, including a JNU professor and NAAC members, are arrested for corruption. Learn about the bribery scandal, key arrests, and the impact on higher education.
The CBI Inspection Committee is at the centre of a major corruption case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested ten people, including the chairman of the committee and six of its members. A professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is also among those arrested.
Key Details of the Case
- The case involves bribery linked to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
- Officials accepted cash, gold, laptops, and mobile phones in exchange for accreditation.
- The arrests include top officials from Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Andhra Pradesh.
- Searches were conducted in 20 locations across India, including Chennai, Bangalore, and New Delhi.
- The CBI recovered βΉ37 lakh in cash, six Lenovo laptops, and one iPhone 16 Pro.
Who Has Been Arrested?
The CBI Inspection Committee chairman, Samarendra Nath Saha, was arrested. He is also the Vice-Chancellor of Ramchandra Chandravansi University. Other committee members arrested include:
- Rajeev Sijariya β Professor at JNU
- D. Gopal β Dean of Bharath Institute of Law
- Rajesh Singh Pawar β Dean of Jagran Lakecity University
- Manas Kumar Mishra β Director of G L Bajaj Institute of Technology & Management
- Gayathri Devaraja β Professor at Davangere University
- Bulu Maharana β Professor at Sambalpur University
University Officials Also Involved
The CBI Inspection Committee case also includes high-ranking officials from KLEF in Andhra Pradesh:
- G P Saradhi Varma β Vice-Chancellor of KLEF
- Koneru Raja Hareen β Vice-President of KLEF
- A Ramakrishna β Director of K L University, Hyderabad Campus
More Names in the FIR
Although not yet arrested, the following people have been named in the CBI Inspection Committee case:
- Koneru Satyanarayana β President of KLEF
- L Manjunatha Rao β Former Deputy Adviser at NAAC
- M Hanumanthappa β Professor and Director (IQAC-NAAC) at Bangalore University
- M S Shyamsundar β NAAC Adviser
How the Scam Worked
- Officials from KLEF bribed members of the CBI Inspection Committee to secure an ‘A’ grade accreditation.
- Bribes included cash, gold, mobile phones, and laptops.
- The CBI Inspection Committee members influenced reports to favour KLEF.
CBI Investigation and Raids
The CBI conducted raids at 20 locations in multiple states. Key cities include:
- Chennai
- Bangalore
- Vijayawada
- Palamu
- Sambalpur
- Bhopal
- Bilaspur
- Gautam Budh Nagar
- New Delhi
What Was Seized?
- βΉ37 lakh in cash
- Six Lenovo laptops
- One iPhone 16 Pro
- Other incriminating evidence
Impact on Higher Education
The CBI Inspection Committee corruption case raises serious concerns. The accreditation process is meant to ensure quality education. Corruption at this level undermines trust in institutions.
What Happens Next?
- The CBI is continuing its investigation.
- More arrests could follow.
- The role of other universities may come under scrutiny.
The CBI Inspection Committee scandal is a wake-up call. Strict measures are needed to prevent corruption in higher education.