Gaya: After a lull of nearly four years since the raid and subsequent jailing of then VC Rajindra Prasad, Magadh University (MU) headquarters is again witnessing a flurry of activity and anxiety following a vigilance inquiry that began on Tuesday.A four-member vigilance team, led by a deputy SP-rank officer, arrived at the university to examine allegations of financial misconduct and other wrongdoing against former VC Shashi Pratap Shahi.University officials are particularly worried as four former VCs of the institution have already gone to jail.The inquiry is largely based on a complaint by former MP Sushil Singh, who alleged financial bungling of Rs 200 crore during Shahi’s three-year tenure. Singh also forwarded a copy of the complaint to PM Narendra Modi.Besides examining documents, the vigilance team questioned personnel handling sensitive files related to construction, tenders, the alleged engagement of a blacklisted firm and alleged kickbacks. Some files are said to have gone missing.Sources said the allegations also involve appointments in teaching and non-teaching categories at a govt-funded minority college, allegedly through tampering with Academic Performance Indicator records and forged documents.Rejecting the allegations, Shahi said, “A group of people has been operating against me, framed concocted charges as I refused to oblige the black-mailers.” He did not identify them.Questioning the basis of the inquiry, Shahi said a 2005 govt order required complaints to be filed on oath before a magistrate. He said the rule should apply equally to public representatives.Former registrar Nalin Kumar Shastri said he was unaware of the matter as he had superannuated before Shahi took charge of the university.
