Belagavi police have arrested three officials of Rani Channamma University on charges of financial misappropriation exceeding ₹92 lakh. Assistant Registrar H.M. Murigesh, First Division Assistant Sandeep Burli and Mahesh Viresh Wali were taken into custody after an internal inquiry prompted a complaint by university officials.
The complaint alleges that Provident Fund and National Pension System contributions deducted from employees’ salaries under the consolidated‑pay system were not deposited into the intended accounts. Instead, the accused diverted the money into their personal bank and NPS accounts. Under the scheme, employees were to contribute 10% of their salaries and the university was required to match that amount. The complaint claims that amounts above the prescribed contribution were siphoned to accounts linked to the accused. It also cites irregularities in transactions involving various allowances and income‑tax payments that caused financial losses to the university and its staff.
The complaint was filed at the Kakati police station on September 8. Officers traced the three accused to the Varur area near Hubballi, where they were apprehended and produced before a court. The court has remanded them in 14 days of judicial custody. Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam said investigators had gathered enough evidence to warrant the arrests.
Investigators continue to examine financial records, documents and transactions to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud. A fourth accused, Ramu Hanchinal, is believed to be absconding and is currently employed at Bagalkot University. Police are working to locate and arrest him.
