Two professors at a state-run university were suspended following an RTI revelation that four students had allegedly passed exams with 56 percent after incorporating ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and names of Indian cricket players in their answers.

Dr. Vandana Singh, Vice-chancellor of Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, stated that the university’s examination committee met on Wednesday and found Dr. Ashutosh Gupta and Dr. Vinay Verma culpable of improper evaluation. She mentioned that disciplinary measures have been initiated against them, pending final approval by the Executive Council.

An investigation is underway regarding allegations of the professors extorting money from the four first-year students, she added. The issue came to light when Divyanshu Singh, a former student, filed an RTI on August 3, 2023, seeking information about students passing despite providing incorrect answers. The RTI response revealed that students had included ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and names of Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya in their answers.

Despite this, the students managed to score 42 out of 75, equating to 56 percent. Singh raised concerns about the professors’ conduct and sent complaints to Raj Bhavan, prompting an investigation and action from the LG’s office on December 21, 2023.

The university formed an inquiry committee to investigate, which ultimately found the two professors guilty. As a result, they were suspended following a meeting held on Wednesday.

Source: PTI

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