Nov. 13: Grants given to Gauhati University have come under a cloud, prompting its authorities to order an investigation into alleged financial anomalies.

University vice-chancellor Okhil Kumar Medhi today ordered an inquiry into the allegations of misappropriation of Rs 26 lakh and compromise on the quality of construction of the environmental science department building.

Medhi told this correspondent that he had received the allegations from different quarters.

The construction of the building is part of a Rs 25-crore plan to convert Gauhati University into one of the top-of-the-line institutions of higher education in the country.

Medhi said the university has sought an explanation from its engineering division.

“The engineering division has also been asked to conduct an inquiry to verify the allegations of compromise on quality in construction of the building. I have ordered that the construction be stopped immediately.”

Teachers and students voiced serious concern over the allegations and demanded punishment to the culprits.

A delegation of the Gauhati University Teachers’ Association met Medhi last evening and requested him to conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations.

“At a time when the CBI is conducting an inquiry into the multi-crore rupee scam that rocked the university about three years back, the latest allegation of corruption is a matter of serious concern. The issue must be taken seriously for the greater interest of the university,” the general secretary of the association, Jogen Chandra Kalita, said.

The Post Graduate Students’ Union (PGSU) has also demanded an inquiry and punishment to the culprits.

“The university constituted three high-powered committees in January to prevent misuse of the Rs 25 crore that was released by the state government for development of the institution.

“The members of the committees must be summoned by the university administration to seek an explanation,” a member of the PGSU said.