In the latest development in the Anna University paper scam, four Anna University professors including former additional controller of examinations (ACOE) and deputy controller of examinations were suspended on Tuesday following an in-house inquiry that found out about their involvement in the cash-for-marks scandal.
The professors include ACOE S Srinivasulu, deputy COE K Selvamani, K Kulothangan from department of Information Technology and Pugazhendi Sugumaran C from Electrical and Electronics Engineering department. They have been accused of helping NRI students by replacing their answer sheets and taking Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh to ensure that the students not only pass but score well in their exams.
In a Times of India report, the University officials admitted to having found evidence of their wrongdoing in exams held in April and November 2017.
It has also come to light that the original answer sheets of the NRI students were destroyed and in some cases, students who received single digit scores were given marks up to 85 during re-evaluation.
In August 2018, a former Controller of Examinations (CoE) of Anna University, GV Uma, along with 38 other employees were suspended over charges of irregularities reported in the re-evaluation of engineering examination answer sheets.
Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) filed an FIR against 10 academicians for their alleged involvement in the answer paper scam at Anna University, which happened in August 2017.
After the university management suspected signs of a scam, 38 contractual staff members were fired in several instalments from early 2018. The last batch of employees was let go in March 2019, after the university conducted an internal probe into the issue.
According to a Times of India report, the scam has been happening for at least 10 years.
Also Read: Was Anna University’s internal inquiry into answer paper scam a mere sham?
Source: The News Minute