Rs 3.5 crore scam detected in MP's gaumutra, gobar cancer research project

What began as a state-funded research project to study cancer treatment using cow dung, cow urine and milk has now landed Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in the middle of a financial controversy. As per a TOI report, a government probe has flagged alleged misuse of funds, questionable purchases and little scientific output, raising eyebrows over how public money meant for research was spent.

Probe ordered after complaints

The issue came to light after complaints of financial irregularities in the Panchgavya research scheme. Acting on this, Jabalpur Collector Raghvendra Singh ordered an inquiry and formed a two-member committee led by Additional Collector RS Marawi.

“During preliminary scrutiny of documents, it was found that the research money was spent on purposes not related to the project,” Marawi told TOI.

Travel bills without research tours

The committee found that nearly Rs 3 lakh was spent on air travel, but there was no record to show these trips were linked to research work.

“A car was purchased from the research head and nearly Rs 15 lakh was spent on vehicle repairs, petrol and diesel,” he said.

Costly purchases raise red flags

The Panchgavya scheme was launched in 2011 after the state government sanctioned Rs 3.5 crore to study treatment of serious diseases like cancer using gobar, gaumutra and milk. However, investigators found little evidence of meaningful research output.

Marawi told TOI that around Rs 1.75 crore was spent on raw material and machines, many of which were bought at prices far higher than market rates.

“About Rs 15 lakh was spent on furniture and electronic items, and nearly Rs 5 lakh was paid under other heads, all from the research fund,” he said.

Report submitted, action awaited

The inquiry committee has submitted its report to the Collector. Marawi said further action will now be decided at the administrative level.

University Vice-Chancellor Mandeep Sharma said the research programme ended in 2018 and claimed that technical and financial records were approved at that time.

“We are gathering details of the project and will officially share information with the media after reviewing the records,” he told TOI.