Fresh trouble for RCU VC as syndicate members seek action from governor

Belagavi: The controversies surrounding Rani Channamma University (RCU) vice-chancellor Prof CM Thyagarajan have intensified, with three syndicate members writing to the governor seeking immediate action against him over alleged irregularities in his appointment.In their complaint, syndicate members Vineet Joshi, Iranna Happali, and Kaveri HM accused Prof Thyagarajan of allegedly submitting forged academic and service documents and suppressing material facts to secure the post of vice-chancellor. They reportedly submitted over 100 pages of documents to substantiate their claims.The members alleged that the MBA degree certificate produced by Prof Thyagarajan is fake, claiming that the university mentioned in the certificate did not exist in 2005, the year shown on the document. They further alleged that the certificate shows completion of the course partly through regular mode and partly through distance education—an arrangement they say is not permitted under university norms. The complaint also points out that the two institutions cited in the certificate were established only after 2006, raising questions over the authenticity of the degree.The syndicate members further alleged that Prof Thyagarajan suppressed information regarding his voluntary retirement in the past, lack of experience in guiding PhD scholars at the time of appointment, and a financial fraud case registered against him while he was on deputation with the Skill Development Corporation. According to the complaint, a case under Sections 409 and 420 of the IPC was registered at Siddapur police station, details of which were allegedly not disclosed during his appointment as vice-chancellor.The complaint also accuses VC Thyagarajan of failing to provide proceedings of syndicate meetings held between June 2024 and June 2025 despite repeated requests and alleges that no proper records have been maintained for meetings over the past year. The members claimed this amounted to misuse of power and administrative lapses.These fresh allegations add to Prof Thyagarajan's existing legal troubles. An FIR was already registered against him at Kakati police station under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act following a complaint by a university professor alleging harassment. In another case, PhD scholar Sujata Pol lodged a complaint with the Superintendent of Police of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) in Belagavi, alleging harassment by the VC and the registrar. The scholar reportedly attempted suicide last week by consuming sleeping pills.Seeking urgent intervention, the syndicate members have demanded a judicial inquiry into the allegations and urged the governor to place Prof Thyagarajan on mandatory leave until the inquiry is completed.Attempts by The TOI to contact Prof Thyagarajan were unsuccessful.