Viral video alleges involvement of Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of Allahabad University in a bribe case

PRAYAGRAJ, March 28 (HS): Allahabad University, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sangeeta Srivastava and Registrar, Professor NK Shukla allegedly took Rs. 2 crores as bribe for awarding the tender for recruitment of employees on contractual basis to a consultancy, claimed a video and the related audio clip went viral on Saturday. In the video and audio clip, two employees of the consultancy Kuldeep Sharma and AK Mishra are allegedly interacting with applicants and can be heard saying that their firm has been awarded the tender after paying Rs. 2 crores as bribe to Allahabad University, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sangeeta Srivastava and Registrar, Professor NK Shukla. The charges have been leveled by the employees of the consultancy firm, entrusted with the responsibility of recruiting employees on contractual basis in Allahabad University.

However, when contacted, Registrar, Professor NK Shukla refuted all charges as baseless and told HS, “Viral audio and video would be forwarded to chief proctor, who will file cases against those indulging in rumour mongering and hurling baseless allegations on us. Strict action will also be taken against the concerned agency.”

It is worth mentioning that Allahabad University administration has released the tender for recruitment of employees on contractual basis. Sun Facility Services Private Limited, Lucknow had released the advertisement for 209 vacant posts in Allahabad University for which, recruitment is to be carried out on contractual basis. Appointment was to be done via walk in interview from March 25 to 28 at Allahabad University’s guest house at Bank Road.

On Saturday, interview process kicked off. Within minutes after commencement of interview process the audio and video went viral on social media by student leaders Ajay Yadav Samrat, Mohd. Masood and Rahul Patel. In the audio, two employees of the consultancy Kuldeep Sharma and AK Mishra are allegedly interacting with applicants and asking for Rs. 25,000 as bribe and Rs. 1000 per month for getting their name forwarded in the list of selected candidates. They can be heard saying that their firm has been awarded the tender after paying Rs. 2 crores as bribe to Allahabad University, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sangeeta Srivastava and Registrar, Professor NK Shukla. In the video, consultancy firm employee was assuring guaranteed selection and job in Allahabad University.

Interestingly, the news of video and audio going viral spread like wild fire and the ongoing interview process was initially stalled and then postponed to an unspecified date citing rapid surge in active corona cases.