Gujarat News : Anand Agricultural University Dean Arrested for Rs.13 Lakh IT Fraud

Anand, Gujarat — Anand Agricultural University’s Principal and Dean of Information Technology Dr. Dhaval R. Kathiriya has been arrested by the police after the university’s registrar filed a complaint of fraud at the Anand Town police station. The Anand district court has ordered the accused to be sent to judicial custody and that he was lodged in the Anand sub-jail on Monday.

Dr.Kathiriya served as the principal and dean Information Technology department at Anand Agricultural University from April 1, 2011 to October 24, 2023. He was transferred to Godhra on October 25, 2023. According to the police complaint, he obtained in-principle approval of approximately Rs 13 lakh for the execution of the Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract for 108 computers in the computer lab of the IT office of Anand Agricultural University. 

The Vice Chancellor gave the approval subject to the rules with a clear note saying “As per the rule approved”. But after getting the approval, Dr. Kathiria tampered with the original note without the knowledge of other officials. He crossed out the word “paper tender” in the note and added the text “For in-principle approval to purchase by calling for quotations as per the cost guidelines by hand.” Instead of calling for paper tenders, he called for price lists from agencies of his choice and gave a contract to the Anand-based Desktop Creators. 

There were no conditions for performance or payment in this work order. What is more serious is that on 7 August 2023, just a week after giving the work order, he paid the full amount to the company. Although there was no condition of advance payment in the price list, the money was paid to the company without any work being done. No work related to Comprehensive Annual Maintenance was done for seven months after the money was paid. Dr. Kathiriya did not visit the computer lab even once.

After his transfer, the newly appointed officer checked the records and this scam was exposed. In this entire case, Dr. Kathiriya, as the responsible officer of the university, is accused of violating the rules and committing irregularities.

Dr. Dhaval Kathiriya, as the Principal of the Agriculture Information Technology College, an office he holds, and also holds the position of Director IT, had himself given a receipt on August 23, 2023 regarding the receipt of 16 computers from that office. Thus, he had also committed a scam in the purchase of computers. He had misused his position to obtain 16 computers without registering them in any register at his office. Due to which he was first suspended from duty. In this regard, Dr. Gautambhai Raojibhai Patel, Registrar of Anand Agricultural University, filed a complaint at the Anand City Police Station, and the police arrested Dr. Kathiriya.