Savitribai Phule Pune University to Undergo Forensic Audit Following Allegations of Financial Irregularities
Pune, 1st October 2025: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will undergo a forensic audit to investigate alleged financial irregularities between 2017 and 2024, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi announced during the university senate meeting on Tuesday. The report of the audit is expected to be released by March 31, 2026.
The session began with Dr. Gosavi reading out the annual report, followed by discussions on adjournment proposals. During the proceedings, member Vinayak Ambekar alleged that financial transactions carried out under the then vice-chancellor from 2017 to 2022, as well as the university’s accounts submitted to the government over the five-year period, were illegal and questionable. “Overall, the university’s accounts for the period from April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2024, are illegal and require a forensic audit,” Ambekar said.
Dr. Gajanan Kharate suggested appointing a committee chaired by a retired judge to investigate the irregularities, while Sachin Gorde recommended that the alleged Rs 5 crore corruption be probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Dr. Gosavi responded that the university would first examine legal aspects and conduct a preliminary investigation through a committee, after which a decision on a forensic audit would be taken.
However, assembly members demanded an immediate forensic audit without waiting for a committee. After a four-to-five-hour-long debate, Dr. Gosavi, following discussions with the Management Council, confirmed that a forensic audit would be conducted and its report would be made public by March 31, 2026.
In addition, assembly members raised concerns regarding the Head of the Technology Department, alleging misappropriation of funds provided through the Tribal Research and Training Institute and the National Higher Education Mission (RUSA). Ambekar called for the department head to be placed on compulsory leave and investigated immediately.
Members Amol Gholap, Sachin Gorde, Ishani Joshi, Dr. Harsh Gaikwad, Dr. Harsh Jagzhap, Dr. Yogesh Bhole, and Advait Bamboli formally requested that some members be included on the inquiry committee to ensure transparency and prevent document tampering during the investigation.
