The Salem City Police on Tuesday arrested Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of Periyar University R. Jagannathan following a complaint seeking action against him and the varsity Registrar, among others.
The complaint, filed by I. Elangovan, legal advisor, Periyar University Employees Union (PUEU) with Salem City Police Commissioner B. Vijayakumari on Tuesday, said the V-C and Registrar (Full Additional Charge) K. Thangavel, along with two other professors from other universities, started a private company – Periyar University Technology Entrepreneurship and Research (PUTER) Foundation – with an investment of ₹1 lakh each, without obtaining proper permission from the government. From September 14, 2023, they have been functioning as directors of the company. the official address of which was PUTER Park, Periyar University, Salem. The company registered only on September 14. But through the letter dated April 24, 2023, the Mr. Thangavel allegedly asked the Foundation to give specifications and estimations for setting up a Fabrication Laboratory (FAB Lab). Similarly, without the permission of the Syndicate or State government, a 2,024-sq. ft. room was allocated to the PUTER Park Chief Executive Officer at the University. The Registrar, on behalf of the Foundation, allegedly received the permission letter for the room. By starting the Foundation, the V-C and the Registrar earned huge money and caused immense loss to the varsity. Likewise, without permission, they entered into a rent agreement with the Business Incubation Centre that created a loss to the university, he said.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Salem City Police came to the university and inquired the V-C, and arrested him. A case has been registered against the V-C under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, police sources said. After all formalities, the VC will be produced before the magistrate and will be remanded before midnight, sources added.
Ms. Vijayakumari was not available for comment.
