Noida: Gautam Buddha University (GBU) has terminated the services of its registrar Vishwas Tripathi following a detailed internal inquiry that uncovered serious irregularities in his appointment, including alleged discrepancies in academic qualifications and work experience. The action comes in the wake of an FIR registered in a ₹5 crore student fee scam case involving alleged financial manipulation and fake UPI transactions.
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According to university officials, the Board of Management approved the termination after accepting a six-page inquiry report. The report concluded that the registrar did not meet the prescribed eligibility criteria at the time of appointment and that his application contained “misleading and unsubstantiated claims” that could not be verified through supporting records.
The matter escalated after an FIR was lodged against Tripathi and 11 others in connection with alleged misappropriation of more than ₹5 crore in student fee collections. Investigators have alleged that the funds were diverted and concealed through fabricated UPI transactions entered into the university’s internal accounting software, raising serious concerns over financial controls and auditing mechanisms.
Tripathi was earlier removed from active duties in January following initial complaints. He has now been formally dismissed based on the findings of the inquiry committee, marking a significant administrative action within the university.
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Inquiry Flags Missing Proof, Eligibility Gaps and Experience Mismatch
The termination order stated that he failed to meet the mandatory requirement of 15 years of teaching experience. It also noted that no valid documentary evidence such as appointment letters, verified certificates, or institutional records was provided to substantiate the academic and professional experience claimed in his application.
The inquiry committee further examined his claimed experience as Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Senior Research Fellow (SRF) between 2004 and 2009. The report found several inconsistencies, including missing documentation and contradictions in timelines, casting doubt on the authenticity of his claims.
The order also highlighted that Tripathi had enrolled in a PhD programme during the same period, further complicating the verification of his research experience. As per University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, 2018, the period spent pursuing a PhD or MPhil cannot be counted as teaching or equivalent professional experience.
Despite multiple opportunities provided during the verification process, the inquiry noted that Tripathi failed to produce adequate evidence to validate key portions of his employment history. The committee concluded that his appointment did not comply with established eligibility norms and reflected serious procedural lapses.
In addition, the investigation reviewed his role as Registrar and Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), where he was responsible for overseeing financial transactions and accounts. According to the FIR, discrepancies were found between student fee records and bank deposits, indicating possible financial irregularities.
Investigators stated that the issue came to light during a routine audit when mismatches were detected between software records and bank statements. A deeper probe reportedly revealed possible data manipulation and the involvement of outsourced personnel in maintaining records.
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The inquiry committee also observed that lack of proper reconciliation of financial records may have contributed to the alleged misuse of funds. It further noted that Tripathi’s conduct during the investigation was “non-cooperative,” which delayed the inquiry process.
Tripathi has denied all allegations, calling the action “motivated by vendetta.” He has stated that he acted in accordance with administrative rules during his tenure and has challenged the decision in the High Court.
Meanwhile, police investigations into the ₹5 crore fee fraud case are ongoing. Officials are examining digital records, banking transactions, and internal communications to determine the full extent of the alleged scam. They are also probing whether other employees or external individuals were involved.
Authorities said the case raises serious concerns about financial accountability and administrative transparency in higher education institutions. The investigation remains active, with officials indicating that further revelations are expected as forensic and digital audits progress.
