Mangalore University Dean Faces Lokayukta Complaint Over Rs 9.5 Lakh Transfer
A retired Pre-University lecturer from Mysuru has lodged a formal complaint with the Lokayukta police in Mangaluru, accusing Gerald Santhosh D'Souza, the dean of education, director of physical education, and chairman at Mangalore University, of transferring Rs 9.5 lakh from an official departmental bank account into his personal account. The complainant, Satyanarayan RN, aged 66 and a resident of Vijayanagar, Mysuru, asserts that these transfers blatantly violate established rules, as there is no provision permitting such large-scale movement of funds from a government account to an individual's private account.
RTI Struggle and Allegations of Incomplete Disclosure
Satyanarayan revealed that he approached the Lokayukta after obtaining transaction details through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, but later grew suspicious that the information provided was incomplete. He recounted to sources that his initial RTI request was outright rejected on the grounds that the information could not be disclosed. It was only after filing an appeal and personally travelling to Mangaluru for an appeal enquiry that he managed to secure the necessary details.
He further alleged that since D'Souza, the individual named in the complaint, holds a position of authority and was in charge of the account, the disclosures might not fully capture the extent of the transactions. Labeling this as a clear case of financial mismanagement and administrative complicity, Satyanarayan has urgently called for a comprehensive Lokayukta investigation to uncover the truth.
Detailed Transaction Records from RTI
According to the RTI information obtained, between January 21, 2022, and February 9, 2024, a total sum of Rs 9,52,058 was transferred from the physical education department's official account, maintained at the State Bank of India's Konaje branch, directly into D'Souza's personal account. The transactions include:
- Rs 15,077 on January 21, 2022
- Rs 99,800 on February 2, 2022
- Three transfers of Rs 45,000 each on November 6, followed by Rs 15,700 on November 7
- Multiple transfers of Rs 15,745 on September 5, 2023, along with two additional transfers of Rs 10,794 and Rs 10,784
- Five different amounts allegedly transferred on February 9, 2024
Satyanarayan emphasized that there were a total of 45 separate transactions involved, highlighting the systematic nature of the alleged financial irregularities.
University Response and Ongoing Scrutiny
In response to the allegations, Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor PL Dharma stated that he would look into the matter thoroughly. He plans to meet with D'Souza to discuss the accusations and provide a formal response. This development has cast a shadow over the university's administrative integrity, prompting calls for transparency and accountability in handling public funds.
The case underscores the critical role of RTI in exposing potential misconduct and the importance of vigilant oversight in educational institutions. As the Lokayukta probe unfolds, stakeholders await further details to determine the full scope of the alleged financial mismanagement.
