Dr Kamaljit I Lakhtariya, associate professor and former coordinator of the Animation Department at Gujarat University, has been accused of embezzling funds amounting to over ₹1.15 crore. The alleged financial irregularities came to light following an internal audit and investigation into the department’s financial transactions.
The allegations state that between 2021 and 2023, Dr Lakhtariya misappropriated funds from the Animation Department’s Kotak Mahindra Bank account, transferring significant amounts to his personal and relatives’ accounts. This included ₹ 1.15 crore directly misappropriated, causing substantial financial losses to Gujarat University.
The investigation, initiated after discrepancies were flagged by the university’s accounts department in 2023, revealed unauthorised payments to knowledge partners, additional expenses exceeding approved limits, and misuse of funds meant for university operations.
A report prepared by chartered accountant Ronak D Shah, commissioned by the university, outlined multiple financial discrepancies:
Fees and payments amounting to ₹1.14 crore were made without approval.
Additional payments to knowledge partners, not specified in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), cost the university over ₹24 lakh.
Expenditures incurred under Dr Lakhtariya’s tenure lacked supporting documents or proper authorisation.
The report further indicated that the funds were utilised for personal gain, including transfers to accounts linked to Dr Lakhtariya and his relatives.
Following the findings, the university’s executive council convened on April 14, 2024, deciding to relieve Dr Lakhtariya of his duties. However, it was noted that he failed to hand over official records and files, further complicating the investigation.
The council has also directed legal proceedings against Dr Lakhtariya under charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and financial fraud.
On Friday, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch registered a case and began an investigation under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Dr Lakhtariya served as the coordinator of the Animation Department since 2013.
Ahmedabad Crime Branch Inspector D B Patel has confirmed the arrest of Kamaljit Lakhtariya following an FIR filed by Gujarat University. Lakhtariya, accused of financial misconduct in the university’s Animation Department, was presented in court and taken into remand for further investigation.
“The investigation will focus on understanding why Lakhtariya authorised payments to the department’s knowledge partners exceeding the agreed amounts, and why Gujarat University received less than the stipulated funds,” Patel further stated
Authorities will probe whether these discrepancies were carried out under instructions from others and whether additional individuals were involved in the multi-crore financial irregularities.
Further inquiries will also examine the misuse of departmental funds allegedly transferred to the accounts of Lakhtariya’s associates. The transactions in these accounts are under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation into this high-profile embezzlement case.