Haryana: Controversy trails Haryana's MDU registrar amid VC-registrar standoff

ROHTAK: Questions over the functioning of the outgoing vice-chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University, Prof Rajbir Singh, whose tenure ends on Friday, have intensified following a standoff between him and the varsity registrar over the execution of an Executive Committee meeting. Amid the row, registrar Dr. Krishan Kant Gupta has also come under scrutiny over separate allegations linked to his previous tenure as principal of Aggarwal College, Ballabgarh.

According to a letter dated August 1, 2025, addressed to Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, governor-cum-chancellor of the university, a retired faculty member of Aggarwal College alleged financial irregularities, administrative lapses and misconduct during Dr. Gupta’s tenure as principal from 2009 to 2024. The college, established in 1971, is affiliated with the university and receives grant-in-aid from the state government.


In the complaint, Dr. A.S. Yadav, former associate professor of physics, stated that multiple irregularities took place during this period and alleged that Dr. Gupta was suspended on April 9, 2024, pending inquiry into administrative and financial lapses. It was also stated that he later applied for voluntary retirement benefits, which were considered by the authorities.

The complaint further alleged that several staff members had raised concerns over embezzlement of funds and misuse of official powers. It also claimed that annual confidential reports of some faculty members were not written or submitted for several years, affecting their increments and promotions.

Dr. Yadav also alleged that his two days’ salary was deducted in 2019 without justification and that forged documents were used in the name of another academic, Dr. Anil Pannikker, to file a complaint against him. He claimed the academic later denied filing any such complaint or signing the document.

The complaint accused the former principal of deleting institutional data, including NAAC-related records, and alleged misuse of funds obtained through seminars and conferences, along with the raising of forged bills. It also mentioned that some female staff members had reportedly lodged complaints with police during his tenure.

Dr. Yadav demanded a formal inquiry into the allegations to bring out the facts and ensure appropriate disciplinary action.

In a separate communication addressed to the MDU vice-chancellor, a complainant, Punit Sharma, sought a probe against registrar Dr. Gupta, alleging that he had been residing in university accommodation without formal allotment.

The complaint also alleged that extensive renovation and repair work costing several lakhs was carried out at the residence by diverting funds from other budget heads, and that air-conditioners, curtains, furniture and other household items were procured in violation of norms.