VTU panel to probe BMS admission scam

BANGALORE: Toughening its stand on reported irregularities in the college admission process, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has decided to form a high-powered committee that will visit BMS College of Engineering this week to look into allegations of fraudulent and illegal admissions made by the BMS Educational Trust.Former advocate general B V Acharya is the chairman of the council of trustees of the BMS Trust.Speaking to Express, VTU vice-chancellor H Maheshappa said: “The committee will comprise a judge, chartered accountant, legal experts and others. This is to send out a message to all college managements that VTU will not tolerate irregularities during admissions.” He said the decision was taken after VTU received information on alleged irregularities committed by the trust during admissions. “Illegal admissions have deprived meritorious students of opportunities. If the committee finds any irregularities, we will approach the Lokayukta or other competent bodies,” he added.He did not rule out the possibility of disaffiliating BMS College of Engineering if the committee’s report pointed at irregularities.According to a petition filed with the Lokayukta Court by N Venkateshaiah on January 23, the BMS Trust had filled some government seats under management quota by collecting crores of rupees from candidates as donation without any account, and also made excess admissions.Maheshappa said more committees will be formed to check the practice of “illegal admissions” in other colleges as well, adding, “We have information that there are colleges which are following unlawful admission practice, but we don’t have proof. For now, our focus is on BMS.” He assured students that VTU would protect their interests. “If managements create problems in seat allocation, students can approach the panel with relevant documents and we will take action,” he added.