Major Corruption Scandal Rocks Karnataka Folklore University
The president of the State Folklore Postgraduate and Researchers' Association, Shivsomanna Nittur, has demanded a CID investigation into illegal appointments and the alleged misappropriation of approximately Rs 1 crore at the Karnataka Folklore University located in Gotagodi, Shiggaon taluk.
Press Conference Revelations
During a press conference held on Saturday, Nittur made serious allegations against the university administration and announced that protesters would gather in front of the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi to demand the dismissal and arrest of those responsible for the scandal.
"A total of 25 teaching and non-teaching staff, including assistant registrar Shahajan Mudakavi, were appointed illegally," Nittur stated. "They deceived the state government by submitting fake marks sheets and documents. A formal complaint was filed with the Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department in 2023."
Administrative Manipulation Uncovered
Nittur revealed that the principal secretary had written to the university registrar demanding a report within three days following the complaint. Although the appointment process was temporarily halted initially, the administration completed the process hastily without informing syndicate members.
He further explained that a 2018 notification clearly instructed appointments through the Karnataka Examination Authority, but the university administration deliberately ignored this directive. The administration allegedly provided false information to the then chief minister, Basavaraj Bommai, resulting in orders being issued to ineligible individuals.
Qualifications Scrutiny and Political Influence
The association president made specific allegations against assistant registrar Shahajan Mudakavi, accusing him of using unrecognised certificates after completing SSLC and claiming support from law minister HK Patil.
"In the same syndicate meeting, Shahajan Mudakavi's qualifications were discussed," Nittur charged. "Mudakavi, who was a drawing teacher in high school, is working as an assistant registrar without administrative experience, and the meeting decided to send him back to his parent institution. Despite this decision, he continued in the position, using ministerial influence."
Legal Action and Protest Plans
The association has collected 175 pages of documentary evidence and has initiated legal action. They have filed complaints with syndicate members and are prepared to approach the court if necessary.
Nittur warned of further protests during the winter session in Belagavi and threatened to lock the university administration office if justice is not served promptly.
Nagaraj S, vice-president of the association, declared they are ready to display all collected documents in a public forum. "We have gathered all the documents related to the illegal appointments of Mudakavi and others. We are ready to present them in a public discussion," he challenged.
The press conference was attended by the association's general secretary, Basavaraj D., along with members Honnappa Malagi, Guddappa Bankar, Guddappa Malagi, and Guddappa YH, showing unified support for the demand for a thorough investigation.
