Anand SDM to probe SPU's PhD scam

Vadodara/Anand: Over a month after the PhD scam rocked Vallabh Vidyanagar-based Sardar Patel University (SPU), Anand district collector Dhaval Patel has ordered a magisterial inquiry into it.

Head of department of sociology of SPU, professor H N Patel, was nabbed by sleuths of anti-corruption bureau (ACB) while accepting a bribe from his PhD student Milan Patel. After it blew into a major controversy,

Anand units of Youth Congress and National Students Union of India launched a major agitation demanding an inquiry into the scam even as SPU suspended the professor pending inquiry.

Not satisfied with suspension order, Congress leaders demanded a full probe from the university authorities even as former students complained of similar harassment by their PhD guides. District collector Dhaval Patel issued orders on Friday assigning the inquiry into the matter to a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM).

"We have received several representations, including those complaining of harassment from their PhD guides, those who have been allegedly asked to forgo their stipends and/or financial assistance provided to them under several schemes," said Dhaval Patel.

The SDM will carry out the probe against accused professors, associate professors and assistant professors against whom the university received oral or verbal complaints from students and their parents.

The SDM will hear the representations from such students and their parents from September 6 to September 9. Those who have been conferred their degrees or are yet to receive them, can also make representations before the SDM.

"The inquiry will ascertain the facts. If prima facie any irregularity is found, we will take the regular legal course to act against the accused teachers," he said.