The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday suspended former Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. V. G. D. Prasad Reddy just hours before his retirement, citing findings from Vigilance and Enforcement investigations and reports submitted by special inquiry committees.
University authorities said the suspension was ordered after examining reports alleging financial irregularities, misuse of official position and violations of university regulations during his tenure.
Officials said the Higher Education Department acted on recommendations made following vigilance investigations into allegations of financial misconduct and administrative irregularities.
According to the government, the suspension was necessary to ensure that the ongoing investigations could be conducted without interference.
The major allegations against Prasad Reddy include the alleged misuse of nearly Rs 20 crore released under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, procedural violations in the utilisation of Rs 25 lakh received from the Indian Space Research Organisation, post-retirement extensions granted to certain employees in violation of University Grants Commission norms, irregular promotions and misuse of administrative powers.
These issues reportedly figured prominently in the vigilance inquiry.
The inquiry also examined allegations that Andhra University was used for political purposes during the previous YSRCP government.
According to the reports, the university premises were allegedly used for political meetings, including activities linked to the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation elections.
Investigators are also said to have examined allegations that students were mobilised for political surveys and that university resources were used to support ruling party programmes.
Further allegations include claims that students were transported to programmes attended by then Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and other YSRCP leaders, with classes allegedly cancelled to facilitate their participation in political events.
During the 2023 North Andhra Graduates’ MLC election, several employees’ and teachers’ associations reportedly complained to the State Election Commission, alleging that Prasad Reddy had violated the Model Code of Conduct.
The complaints accused him of meeting the managements of private educational institutions during the election period and acting in a manner favourable to the ruling party’s candidate.
Prasad Reddy had earlier been sentenced to one month’s imprisonment in a contempt of court case after allegedly failing to comply with directions issued by the Andhra Pradesh High Court in matters related to faculty service.
Officials indicated that the earlier court proceedings also formed part of the government’s assessment of his administrative record.
The government has now decided to order a comprehensive investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau into financial transactions carried out during Prasad Reddy’s tenure.
Official sources said criminal cases could also be registered if further evidence emerges from the vigilance reports and the proposed ACB inquiry.
