The Karnataka Lokayukta police have arrested six individuals, including a former vice-chancellor, in connection with an alleged 45 crore rupee financial scam at the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University in Bidar.
The enforcement action followed an investigation that confirmed allegations of widespread financial irregularities within the institution. The arrested individuals include former Vice-Chancellor H.D. Narayananaswamy and former financial controller K.L. Suresh, alongside other accused identified as Mrutyunjaya Hiremath, Bopanna, Manjunath, and Ramagonda.
Investigation Reveals Scale of Institutional Misappropriation
According to Lokayukta officials, the fraudulent activities took place during the 2017-18 financial year. Investigators revealed that university officials colluded with private suppliers to siphon off public funds by creating fake purchase bills, invoices, and fabricated records. The documentation purported to show the procurement of equipment and materials for the university. However, physical verification by investigators established that several of these purchases existed only on paper, and no actual goods were ever delivered to the institution.
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Simultaneous Raids Across Karnataka Yield Evidence
The financial irregularities first came under official scrutiny in 2021 when the Lokayukta police conducted initial raids and launched an inquiry into the university’s administration. As the probe intensified, law enforcement teams executed coordinated raids at more than 25 locations across Karnataka on September 10, 2025. These operations resulted in the seizure of crucial documents that established the involvement of senior university officers, staff members, and the owners of private enterprises.
Court Remands Accused to Judicial Custody
Following the collection of evidence, the Bidar District Sessions Court issued warrants against the accused, leading to their arrest by the Lokayukta police. The arrested individuals were subsequently produced before the court and are expected to be remanded to judicial custody.
The investigation, which has triggered statewide outrage due to the diversion of public funds meant for educational development, remains ongoing. Senior officials indicated that further inquiries are underway to trace the complete money trail and identify any additional beneficiaries involved in the scam.
