Now, SNDT varsity VC faces probe

In the three-page letter, Deo claims rules have been bent to sub-let the university8217;s Juhu premises for commercial purposes. He also alleges that though modern telephone equipment worth Rs 2.5 lakh was stolen from the university within the last six months, no complaint has been lodged either with the commissioner of police or the local police station.

He says the university has also failed to explain the abrupt dismissal of a professor in the Department of Computer Science. Though the university claims he was removed due to a 8220;financial crisis8221;, official records indicate that the department earned Rs 60 lakh during the professor8217;s tenure. Moreover, Deo points out, if the university does indeed face a resource crunch, how could it afford to purchase a new car costing Rs 6.5 lakh for the vice-chancellor.

He also questions the vice-chancellor8217;s continuance in office on the ground that she possesses no working knowledge of Marathi. Since the university has been set up for women in Maharashtra, especially Mumbai, the vice-chancellor ought to know the language, he says.

Varghese, however, told Express Newsline that the allegations against both herself and the university are absolutely baseless. 8220;I deny each and every charge in Deo8217;s letter. They have been levelled against the prestigious university mainly to defame it,8221; Varghese says.

In his letter, Deo adds: 8220;There is a general belief in the SNDT University that as Varghese is related to Governor Dr P C Alexander, who is also the chancellor the university, complaints against her will not be entertained.

The minister has sought the inquiry report within a week.