Dr. Kamaljit Lakhtariya, a former coordinator of Gujarat University’s Animation Department, has been arrested for financial misconduct after an investigation revealed unauthorized payments totaling over Rs24 lakh. These payments were made to the university’s knowledge partners, with no prior authorization or supporting documents, beyond what was agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The university’s executive council, upon reviewing the findings, decided to relieve Dr. Lakhtariya of his duties. However, he failed to hand over the official records and files, further complicating the ongoing investigation. The investigation revealed that the funds were allegedly diverted for personal gain, with transfers made to accounts linked to Dr. Lakhtariya and his relatives.
As a result, legal proceedings have been initiated against him for charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and financial fraud. On April 14, 2024, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch registered a case and began their inquiry under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Crime Branch Inspector D. B. Patel confirmed that Dr. Lakhtariya has been taken into remand for further investigation. The investigation will examine why Lakhtariya authorized payments exceeding the agreed amounts, as well as the discrepancies in the funds received by Gujarat University.
Authorities are also probing the potential involvement of other individuals in this multi-crore financial irregularity, focusing on the misuse of departmental funds transferred to Lakhtariya’s associates. These transactions are under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation into this high-profile case of embezzlement.
