Mangalore University Syndicate member writes to VC; demands enquiry in corruption case
University prof. had paid bribe to history sheeter who promised him VC’s job
Mangaluru: Prominent advocate of Mangaluru and owner of Paniyala Associates Vivekananda Paniyala has written to Mangalore University’s Vice Chancellor requesting him to institute enquiry into the incident of one of the Professors of the University who has filed a complaint in local Police station alleging that he has Paid bribe to an accused who Promised to elevate him as the VC of Raichur University.
Professor in Microbiology at Mangalore University M. Jayashankar had earlier this week lodged complaint at kankanady Police Station against Ramsena’s state chief Prasad who allegedly Promised him to elevate as Raichur University’s VC in exchange of money.
In the letter Vivekananda has claimed that the incident prima facie appears indulging in corrupt practice of offering illegal gratification amounting to misconduct.
Professor in Microbiology Mr. M. Jayashankar, who is also the Director of College Development Council has lodged a complaint with the police alleging that the accused person namely one Prasad has cheated him by promising to get the post of VC of Raichur University and as part of the same, M. Jayashankar has paid Rs. 17 lakhs in cash and also issued 3 blank cheques in all for a sum of Rs. 30 lakhs. This is shocking to the conscience of the Syndicate members, the letter stated.
“The entire incident as narrated in the complaint and as reported in the media smacks of malafides and corrupt practice of payment of illegal gratification. This conduct is unbecoming of a professor of a university” Vivekananda wrote in the letter.
“Undoubtedly, this is an act of moral turpitude lowering the dignity and reputation of the university itself, of which I am part by being member of the Syndicate. While the police are going to investigate into the criminal aspect of the offence, the University being the employer and appointing authority constituted under the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000, is required to take serious cognizance of this shocking incident and seek explanation from Mr. M. Jayashankar forthwith as a prelude before initiating appropriate disciplinary proceedings from the point of misconduct as the issue is much deeper and larger warranting appropriate action proactively in the larger interest of the public” it further added.
“Since the matter is of grave concern and the public at large are deeply anguished by this unethical practice of engaging touts for securing the posts of Vice Chancellor, I request you to call for an emergency special Syndicate meeting of Mangalore University. Since the Syndicate is the important authority of the University under Section 27(a) and 29 of the K.S.U. Act, 2000, it is imperative that proper queries are framed before seeking legal opinion” it urged the VC.
“In the above context, I am specifically pointing out this aspect in view of the fact that some of the “legal opinions” obtained by the University recently have failed to address the core issues due to the fact that the queries are not framed properly leading to vague and unprofessional opinions by the Advocates of Mangalore University. This has derailed many burning issues as opinions of the Advocates are mixed with their personal views rather than purely professional opinions based on facts, circumstances, materials and principles of law.
“In light of the above, I request you to first secure a copy of the complaint and FIR along with an explanation from Prof. Jayashankar and place the same before the Syndicate for appropriate decision thereon as this requires wider consultation and deliberation by taking all the Syndicate members into confidence. Let the Syndicate pass a suitable resolution covering all aspects and accordingly institute an enquiry by a Committee headed by a retired Judge of Hon'ble High Court. I hope that you will treat this request in its proper perspective and do the needful” Vivekananda wrote while concluding the letter.
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
