Diary Times News Service
Kangra, August 14: After the recent arrest of two professors from Punjab with cash worth Rs 3.50 lakh following a Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) inspection in Himachal Pradesh, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has intensified its investigation. The professors, Associate Professor Rakesh Chawla of Baba Farid University, Faridkot, and Professor Puneet Kumar of Central University, Ghudda (Bathinda), were detained at Rakkad in Kangra district on August 11 while on their way to Punjab.
During interrogation, the professors admitted that they were in Himachal Pradesh on behalf of PCI to verify students and teachers at Sai School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in Palampur. They inspected the institute and submitted their report through PCI’s online app. After completing their duty, the professors stayed overnight at Infinity Sports Club and Tea Garden Resort in Palampur and were returning when they were nabbed.
The vigilance bureau had earlier recovered ₹1.70 lakh from Prof Chawla and ₹1.80 lakh from Prof Kumar during routine searches. This cash was withdrawn from the Palampur branch of Axis Bank on August 9, raising suspicion over the source and intent of the money. The professors have not yet given any satisfactory explanation for the huge amount of cash found with them.
In the ongoing investigation, the vigilance officials have obtained the bank details of the professors and are coordinating with various agencies in Punjab to trace the financial trail. Both the universities, where the professors are employed, have been informed about the situation, and a formal request has been made to the Pharmacy Council of India for the inspection reports submitted by the professors.
The vigilance bureau suspects that the reports may reveal whether the professors extended any undue advantage to the Sai School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research during their inspection. Meanwhile, the manager of Sai University has said that the inspection was routine and they have no further information about the incident.
The case has raised questions about the integrity of inspections carried out by the PCI, especially when money is involved. The vigilance bureau continues to investigate, focusing on possible links between cash and inspection activities.
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