Three university officials arrested over alleged ₹32 lakh misappropriation

Belagavi police have arrested three officials of Rani Channamma University in connection with an alleged financial misappropriation of more than ₹32 lakh involving employees’ Provident Fund and National Pension System contributions. The arrested officials are Assistant Registrar H.M. Murigesh, First Division Assistant Sandeep Burli and Mahesh Viresh Wali.

Police are also searching for Ramu Hanchinal, another accused whom investigators say is absconding. The arrests followed a complaint filed by university officials after an internal inquiry. According to the complaint, Provident Fund amounts deducted from the salaries of employees appointed under the consolidated-pay system were allegedly not deposited into their designated accounts.

Instead, investigators allege, funds were diverted to personal bank and NPS accounts linked to the accused. Under the reported arrangement, employees contributed 10% of their salaries and the university was required to make an equal contribution. The complaint alleges that amounts above the prescribed contribution were also diverted.

It further refers to irregularities in transactions involving allowances and income-tax payments, which allegedly caused losses to both the university and its employees. The complaint was filed at Kakati police station on September 8. The three officials were reportedly arrested in the Varur area near Hubballi and produced before a court, which remanded them to 14 days of judicial custody.

Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam said investigators had gathered sufficient evidence to make the arrests. The investigation remains under way, with officers examining financial records, documents and transactions to determine the extent of the alleged misappropriation. Police sources said Hanchinal is currently employed at Bagalkot University and that efforts are being made to trace him.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and the investigation is continuing.