Pondicherry University removes registrar after CBI raids

PUDUCHERRY: The Pondicherry University has relieved registrar B R Babu after the CBI booked him on charges of indulging in corrupt practices in the postgraduate medical admissions in deemed universities and private medical colleges in the Union territory.
Pondicherry University finance officer in an order said Babu, who was re-employed on a contractual basis, was relieved from the post of registrar from the forenoon of September 21.A former secretary to Puducherry government, Babu was one of the 13 people booked by the CBI on September 18, for criminal conspiracy, criminal misconduct and cheating. The university administration posted the head of the department (chemistry) K Tharanikkarasu as registrar in-charge. Tharanikkarasu is also controller of examinations (in-charge).
Babu, however, took the stand that the university cannot relieve him as he was appointed by the Union human resources development ministry. He refused to vacate his chamber.
But, the finance officer in his order, said, “Pondicherry University grants affiliations to all the colleges run in the Union territory, including the private medical colleges named in the FIR (registered by the CBI). Given the nexus between the management of these private colleges and Babu, his continuance can jeopardize the interests of the university.” An accused in a case related to admission continuing in a vital post may question the genuineness of the admission in university, he said.
Babu joined the university as registrar on deputation basis on July 14. The university removed Babu on his superannuation on August 31 and appointed dean (school of media and communication) C K Ramaiah as registrar (in-charge) amidst chaos and drama. But the university had to reinstate Babu within 12 hours of his removal following a direction from the Union human resource ministry.
Babu was booked by the CBI under Sections 120 B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Indian penal code and 13 (1) and 13 (2) (criminal misconduct by a public servant) of the Prevention of corruption act, 1988.