₹1.36 Crore Jamnagar Dental College Fraud Case Triggers Gujarat Health Department inquiry
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Gujarat Health Department has formed an inquiry committee into an alleged ₹1.36 crore financial fraud at the government-run Jamnagar Dental College, following observations by a Sessions Court.
Around ₹1.36 crore was allegedly withdrawn from the account of the college’s Rogi Kalyan Samiti through 15 cheques bearing the Dean’s signatures. A clerk allegedly transferred the money to his own account before moving it elsewhere.
Court raises questions over Dean’s role
During the bail hearing of the accused, the Jamnagar Sessions Court raised questions about Dental College Dean Dr Nayanaben Patel’s role.
The court also made serious observations about three police officers, saying the investigation appeared to have been conducted in a manner that could have protected the Dean.
In separate orders, the court directed that its observations about the Dean be sent to the Health Department Secretary. Its observations concerning PSIs S.G. Keshwala, R.K. Khalifa and R.B. Thakor were ordered to be forwarded to the Home Department’s Joint Secretary.
Following the directions, the DGP’s office sent copies of the orders to the respective departments. District Government Pleader Jaman K. Bhanderi also delivered copies to both departments.
Health, Home departments to seek responses
The Health Department’s inquiry committee is expected to seek an explanation from the Dental College Dean. The Home Department may also seek responses from the three police officers about their roles in the investigation.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence including a video recording of the accused clerk’s alleged confession. Details about the arrest of another accused from Surat were also placed before the court.
However, police and the prosecution told the court that there was currently no direct evidence linking the Dean to the alleged fraud and that the investigation was still underway.
The next course of the case is expected to depend on the findings of the Health Department’s inquiry committee.
