Thrissur: The investigation into the complaint that a top official of the Kerala Agriculture University (KAU) used a fake signature and seal has reached nowhere. Allegedly, the former Head of the Horticulture department of the College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara (under KAU), had made use of forged signatures and seals in the name of the Director of research. Former Vice Chancellor (VC) R. Chandrababu had appointed a three-member committee to look into the matter on October 27, 2022.

After Chandrababu’s retirement, the new VC Dr. B. Ashok asked the committee to submit its report within a month on May 6, 2023. The allegations were leveled against the present KUFOS (Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies) VC in-charge, Dr. T. Pradeep Kumar. He allegedly submitted an application to the Controller of the university to transfer the department project allocation amount to another account (head of account). Such applications require administrative approval and should be made by the Director of research. 

Pradeep Kumar submitted the application by signing it ‘recommended and forwarded by’ Director of research by using a forged signature. It is alleged that he also used a fake seal on the application. The controller accepted it and changed the account. It is after this that the Director of research realized that the signature and seal were forged and thus, filed a complaint with the VC. 

As a preliminary investigation revealed that there was some weight in the allegations, an inquiry commission was formed to investigate further. However, no further action was taken and the report of the inquiry is yet to be submitted.