Bidar: Lokayukta police have arrested six individuals, including a former vice-chancellor and a retired financial controller, in connection with an alleged Rs 45 crore fake bill scam at the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU) in Bidar.
Arrested Individuals Identified
The arrested persons have been identified as former vice-chancellor H.D. Narayanaswamy, retired in-charge financial controller K.L. Suresh, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officer Mrutyunjaya Hiremath, and Bengaluru-based enterprise owners Bopanna, Manjunath, and Ramagonda.
Details of the Scam
According to Lokayukta police sources, the accused allegedly created fake bills and misappropriated over Rs 45 crore in public funds during the financial year 2017-18. The fraud involved procurement of materials for the university. Narayanaswamy was serving as vice-chancellor and K.L. Suresh as controller during that period.
Sources revealed that FDA officer Mrutyunjaya Hiremath allegedly colluded with private enterprises in Bengaluru to carry out the irregularities. They created fake purchase bills, invoices, and fabricated records without actually purchasing any materials.
Investigation and Raids
Lokayukta police conducted initial raids in 2021 after the alleged irregularities came to light. As part of an intensified investigation, simultaneous raids were carried out at more than 25 locations across the state on September 10, 2025. During these raids, key documents were seized.
Investigators stated that the involvement of senior university officials, staff members, and private enterprise owners in the alleged scam was established during the probe.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
The Bidar district and sessions court issued warrants in connection with the case. Following this, Lokayukta police launched an operation and arrested some of the accused in Bidar and others in Bengaluru. They were later produced before a court in Bidar. The arrested accused are likely to be remanded to judicial custody.
Operation Details
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Lokayukta Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Manish Kharbikar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) A.S. Subrahmanyeshwara Rao, and Superintendents of Police (SPs) Badrinath and Siddaraju. Bidar Lokayukta Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hanumantharaya, Santosh Rathod, and other personnel participated in the operation.
