Clerical error turns ₹20,000 into $20,000, costs Kerala University nearly ₹16.5 lakh
Thiruvananthapuram: A clerical mistake during an international fund transfer has left Kerala University’s Centre for Latin American Studies facing a financial loss of nearly ₹16.5 lakh, making it one of the institution’s costliest administrative errors in recent years.
The error occurred in June 2023, when the institution paid money for four online lectures given by a Brazilian journalist. The Times of India reported that a bank employee misinterpreted the rupee symbol as a dollar sign and transferred the approved honorarium of ₹20,000 as $20,000, resulting in a significant debit from the university's account.
University officials said the transaction was carried out through the State Bank of India’s Tejaswini branch at Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram. The amount was credited to the bank account of Kathleen Martinic, wife of the invited speaker Milan Sime Martinic.
The discrepancy was discovered in 2024 and the Centre informed the university authorities and contacted the lecturer. Gireesh Kumar, head of the Centre, said Martinic had initially assured officials that the excess amount would be returned. However, the refund was never received, despite later claims that the money had been sent back.
Efforts to recover the funds have since been complicated by Martinic’s death a few months after the transfer, which was made on June 15, 2023. Officials said this has significantly reduced the chances of recovering the money.
The funds were part of a ₹20 lakh grant sanctioned by the state government for a student exchange programme. After the money was received, Kathleen Martinic reportedly transferred it to the account of a consulting firm.
The Centre has approached the banking ombudsman, but the issue remains unresolved. While SBI has acknowledged the error, it has asked the university to help persuade the recipient to return the excess amount.
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CSK post 212 for 2 against DC
Chennai (PTI): Sanju Samson smashed a 56-ball 115 not out to propel Chennai Super Kings to a formidable 212 for 2 against Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Samson struck four sixes and 15 fours during his blistering knock, stitching key partnerships -- 62 with Ruturaj Gaikwad (15), 113 with Ayush Mhatre (59) and unbroken 37 with Shivam Dube (20).
For DC, skipper Axar Patel (1/39) was the lone wicket-taker.
Brief Scores:
Chennai Super Kings: 212 for 2 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 115 not out; Axar Patel 1/39).
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