Pune: SPPU VC Sends HoD of Technology Dept on Compulsory Leave After Uproar Over Alleged Irregularities
Pune, 27 March 2026: The annual meeting of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) witnessed high drama on Friday, as members raised an uproar over alleged financial irregularities in the tribal department’s tender process for 2017-18, forcing the administration to initiate action.
Amid mounting pressure, vice-chancellor Dr Suresh Gosavi directed that head of the technology department, Aditya Abhyankar, be sent on compulsory leave with immediate effect and ordered a probe into the allegations.
The issue was raised at the beginning of the meeting as members insisted that their adjournment motion be taken up before the vice-chancellor’s address.
Member Vinayak Ambekar claimed he had submitted “concrete evidence” of corruption against the official and demanded immediate suspension and the appointment of an inquiry committee. Other members, including Sachin Gorde Patil and Apoorva Hire, supported the demand.
The allegations pertain to purported financial irregularities in funds received under the tribal department, including the Tribal Research and Training Institute and the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) during 2017-18. Ambekar alleged that the role of the technology department head in the matter was “suspicious”.
Responding to the demands, Gosavi announced in the house that Abhyankar would be sent on compulsory leave from Friday and that a legal scrutiny of the allegations would be carried out. Gosavi said that legal aspects will be examined and action, including suspension, will be taken after verification of evidence.
