Honorary doctorates awarded by fake outfit at varsity turn out to be a scam

CHENNAI: The International Anti-corruption and Human Right Council on Sunday held a function at Anna University where retired Madras HC judge TN Vallinayagam handed out honorary doctorates to south Indian music director Deva, actors Gokul Gajaraj and Erode Mahesh, and choreographer Sandy. Council members went to comedian Vadivelu’s home to hand over his degree, which he received by belting out an MGR film number.

Now, Vallinayagam is busy apologising to people and Anna University is scrambling to conduct an inquiry. The university tried calling the organisers, but their phones are switched off. It turns out the whole thing was a scam.

No such council exists, and Anna University has nothing to do with the doctorates. It only rented out its auditorium for the event, obviously without checking the antecedents of the organisers.

Video clips of the event at Vadivelu’s home show one of the organisers explaining in detail his clout with Reserve Bank of India. Vallinayagam said he had no idea that they were conmen. The invitation displayed the national emblem prominently and Anna University’s name in bold. Many of those who attended thought the organisers were part of Anna University as the event was held at its auditorium. University officials told TOI that the auditorium is rented to organisations and not to individuals.

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