Courting Controversy

Jamshedpur, Sept. 24: A day after Raj Bhavan cracked its whip on Father Beni Ekka, the tainted Kolhan University vice chancellor made a last-ditch attempt to cling to his post in a faxed request that called for unbiased probe into allegations against him.

The letter addressed to Governor M.O.H. Farook also conceded that he had “borrowed” money from the medical and salary funds, but had cleared “all dues” he owed the university.

State HRD department records suggest that Ekka withdrew medical advances to the tune of Rs 1.5 lakh in two instalments in December 2009 and over Rs 20 lakh in 11 installments, subsequently, as salary advances.

Taking cognisance of financial irregularities to the tune of Rs 21.53 lakh, the Raj Bhavan slapped a showcause on Ekka on August 21. Yesterday, it went a step further to ask the vice chancellor to quit by September 25 or else consider his services terminated.

In his letter today, Ekka admitted that he had taken the money, but had also returned the same. “I never disagreed that I had borrowed money, but have proof that I cleared all dues by August 31. The Raj Bhavan had even asked me to continue my services to the varsity,” he said.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the recent decision, Ekka demanded “proper inquiry”. He accused some HRD officials of conniving against him because he was a tribal vice chancellor.

“If anyone feels I have not performed my duties well, then that person should point out my mistakes instead of seeking my ouster. I will wait till tomorrow before taking a decision (to quit or not).”