ED Finds Alleged Diversion Of Government Funds At Jauhar University

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

The ED conducted searches at the university, offices of the Jauhar Trust, and premises linked to its office-bearers, chartered accountants, and companies associated with the university and its construction. During the searches, documents were recovered that allegedly indicate large-scale misuse of government funds, including money released under MP and MLA local area development schemes.

Sources revealed that 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.

According to sources, funds sanctioned for development works in Rampur were allegedly withdrawn in cash from bank accounts and subsequently used for construction and other works at Jauhar University.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.

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

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.

The investigation has been ongoing for nearly five years, and questions are being raised over why no action was taken against officials despite the probe. 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.

The ED's findings have significant implications for the Jauhar Trust and its office-bearers, including Azam Khan. The alleged diversion of government funds and suspected use of unaccounted money in the construction of the university raises serious questions about the trust's financial dealings and its use of public funds.

In conclusion, the ED's investigation into the alleged diversion of government funds at Jauhar University has uncovered evidence of large-scale misuse of public funds and suspected use of unaccounted money. The probe has significant implications for the Jauhar Trust and its office-bearers, and raises serious questions about the trust's financial dealings and its use of public funds.