Jauhar University: ED Finds Alleged Diversion Of Government Funds

Rampur: The Enforcement Directorate has found evidence pointing to the alleged diversion of government funds and suspected use of unaccounted money in the construction of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, which is controlled by the Jauhar Trust headed by former Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan and his family members.

ED probe into fund diversion

The findings emerged during searches conducted by the ED at the university, offices of the Jauhar Trust, premises linked to its office-bearers, chartered accountants and companies associated with the university and its construction.

Documents recovered during the searches allegedly indicate large-scale misuse of government funds, including money released under MP and MLA local area development schemes. Sources said six contractors who executed works under these schemes for the university are now on the ED's radar and are likely to be summoned for questioning.

The agencies and departments whose funds are under scrutiny include the Jal Nigam, Public Works Department, Rural Development Department, Culture Department, Backward Classes Welfare Department, Urban Development Department and Irrigation Department.

Contractors and firms under scanner

According to sources, funds sanctioned for development works in Rampur were allegedly withdrawn in cash from bank accounts and subsequently used for construction and other works at Jauhar University. Several private construction firms in Rampur were allegedly awarded government contracts, but instead of using the funds for the sanctioned public works, they allegedly executed construction work related to properties of the Jauhar Trust.

Investigators are also examining the role of Jauhar Associates and CK Associates. The two firms allegedly received around Rs 86 crore through government contracts, but the funds were allegedly diverted and proper accounts were not maintained.

The ED is also looking into the role of officials who were posted in the concerned departments at the time the contracts were awarded and the work was executed. Sources said questions are also being raised over why no action was taken against officials despite the investigation into the university continuing for nearly five years.

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Construction costs under review

A former official of the Urban Development Department, considered close to Azam Khan, had also come under scrutiny during the probe. The official retired from service and subsequently joined the BJP. A Lucknow-based architectural firm that allegedly received payments running into crores of rupees is also being examined.

The estimated expenditure on construction of the university, put at around Rs 494 crore, is a key part of the investigation. The ED is examining records relating to the money spent by the trust on construction, land purchased for the university and infrastructure development.

Investigators are also looking into records concerning around Rs 88 crore received from government budgets and the utilisation of funds received as donations.