Connecting the dots in KLEF-NAAC scam, say investigating officials-OxBig News Network

CBI officials, who busted a sensational bribe-for-ratings scam involving the Guntur-based Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF) and officials of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), are gathering evidence on purchase of gold, laptops and other electronic gadgets offered to the accused team members as bribe.

KLEF Deemed to be University, located at Vaddeswaram in Guntur district, was accredited by NAAC with A++ Grade. The university management allegedly offered cash, gold and electronic equipment for securing re-accreditation by the NAAC for the period 2024-2029.

The inspection committee of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) allegedly colluded with the KLEF management for giving A++ Grade to the university for the next five years.

The seven-member inspection committee including its chairman Samarendra Nath Saha, member coordinator Rajeev Sijariya, and committee members D. Gopal, Rajesh Singh Pawar, Manas Kumar Mishra, Gayatri Devaraja and Bulu Maharana allegedly accepted bribe for giving a favourable report to KLEF.

Former deputy adviser, NAAC, L. Manjunatha Rao and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC-NAAC) Director M. Hanumanthappa mediated the deal, and played a key role in enlisting known members on the inspection panel, officials said.

KLEF Vice-Chancellor G.P. Saradhi Varma and others, who offered the bribe, reportedly asked the NAAC team to give 3.65 points and above so that the university would retain its A++ Grade, the CBI officials said.

The CBI officers who are probing the sensational case had arrested ten accused, including the NAAC inspection committee and officers and staff of the university and produced them in court on February 1, which remanded them to judicial custody.

Sources said the accused, who stayed in a hotel in Vijayawada, demanded and accepted cash, gold ornaments, laptops and a mobile phone in New Delhi and in Vijayawada.

Investigation officers are trying to find out from where the KLEF management procured the gold and the electronic gadgets, and said they are investigating the case from all angles.