Berhampur: A three-member audit team arrived at Berhampur University on Wednesday to probe into the alleged mismatch in the varsity's bank deposits and expenditure.
Sources said that the state finance department on Tuesday ordered the Local Fund Audit Directorate to look into the alleged irregularities to the tune of Rs 19.64 crore.
"We detected financial irregularities at Berhampur University. Following reports submitted by registrar and finance head Shailendra Dwibedi, a letter has been despatched to us. A committee has also been formed to investigate the irregularities," said PG council chairman Debi Prasanna Patnaik.
The registrar had written to governor S.C. Jamir, who is the varsity chancellor, and urged him to order a probe into the alleged irregularities.
The team members, however, refused to comment on the probe.
Berhampur University Students' Union president V. Srinivas Rao had earlier alleged that there was massive bungling of funds and levelled allegations of serious irregularities in funds released under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan and the University Grants Commission.
"Vice-chancellor Rajendra Prasad Das has mismanaged the funds and kicked off an era of lavish spending," Rao said. He also blamed the VC for arbitrarily shutting down the varsity's distance education courses that had affected thousands of students.
Rao's allegations include, among others, inflated billing for water purifiers installed in hostels and unnecessary purchase of beds.
He also demanded a CBI and vigilance probe into various "discrepancies" and demanded strict action against all those involved. Student leaders have also threatened an indefinite strike if an inquiry was not initiated immediately.
Former students' union president Bhabani Kanta Sahu, members of the lawyers' association in Berhampur and other social activists had earlier submitted a memorandum to the chancellor, state vigilance and the district superintendent of police. This was followed by a complaint in the vigilance court.
However, Das had refuted the allegations and called those "rubbish". "These things are saddening for me. But I am not bothered," he said. "We have a purchase committee and a negotiation committee to look into the acquisitions. Besides, there is also a syndicate that plays a major role in these cases."
Former VC Jayanta Kumar Mohapatra has welcomed the order for inspection of accounts. "Now the truth will come out. Everyone would come to know if all these allegations of financial irregularities are factual or not," he said.
