According to the FIR lodged at Nevai police station, the accused, Sunil Kumar Prasad, allegedly collected ₹30,000 each from around 30 PhD scholars under the pretext of PhD thesis submission fees. While the amount is officially prescribed by the university, investigators say the collected money was never deposited into the university’s accounts. Instead, students were issued forged receipts to conceal the misappropriation.
The matter came to light after several research scholars approached the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor with complaints that their fees, though paid, were not reflected in official university records. Acting on these complaints, the university administration initiated an internal inquiry and subsequently submitted a written complaint to the police.
A two-member inquiry committee constituted by the university found prima facie evidence of embezzlement amounting to ₹9,44,500. The findings indicated that the accused accepted fees in cash and, in some cases, directed students to transfer the amount to his personal bank account. The receipts provided to students were later found to be fabricated and unauthorised.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Ankit Arora confirmed that the figure identified so far is based on preliminary findings and may increase as the investigation progresses. “The PhD submission fee of ₹30,000 was being collected fraudulently with the connivance of individuals within the system. Fake receipts were issued, and the amount was not deposited with the university. The initial probe suggests misappropriation of close to ₹10 lakh, but further scrutiny may reveal a higher amount,” he said.
During questioning, Prasad reportedly admitted to collecting cash from students but claimed that the money was handed over to the then officiating registrar. However, investigators noted that he failed to produce any documentary evidence to substantiate this claim. The inquiry committee did not find material corroborating his statement.
The university’s Executive Council, in a meeting held on January 22, 2026, unanimously resolved to initiate criminal proceedings against the accused. Following this, police registered the FIR and began formal investigation, including the recording of statements and verification of financial records.
Police officials said the probe is ongoing and further action will be taken based on evidence. If the involvement of other officials emerges during the investigation, additional FIRs and legal action will follow.
The case has raised serious concerns over financial oversight and internal controls within higher education institutions, prompting calls for stricter auditing and transparency mechanisms at CSVTU.
